Mayoral vote ends in a hat draw

A tied vote in Clarence Valley's mayoral election led to two names being drawn from a hat to break the deadlock. A misunderstanding about the rules resulted in the wrong candidate being declared the winner.

General manager sacked over the error

The botched declaration led to the sacking of general manager Laura Black. Councillor Peter Johnstone was incorrectly declared as Clarence Valley mayor before resigning when the error came to light.

Minister suspends the council

NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig suspended Clarence Valley Council for three months. He said the appointment of an administrator was necessary to restore the proper or effective functioning of the council.

“necessary to restore the proper or effective functioning of [the Clarence Valley] council”

Council voted for investigation, not suspension

The council itself had voted for an external investigation of matters including governance, administration, operations and financial management. Minister Hoenig considered submissions after warning councillors suspension was possible a fortnight ago.

John Rayner appointed interim administrator

John Rayner, who ran Armidale Regional Council when it was under administration in two thousand twenty, has been appointed as interim administrator for Clarence Valley Council.

Councillor criticises removal of democracy

Councillor Peter Johnstone said removing democratic representation is a very serious step. He said the administrator will make all decisions alone and receive the combined pay of all councillors and the mayor.

“We were elected democratic leaders of the Clarence Valley and to remove that democratic representation is a very serious step”

Broader crisis in local government leadership

University of Newcastle professor Roberta Ryan said that since two thousand twenty-four, one-third of general managers had left councils.She said instability in senior leadership is a national and international trend, particularly amplified in regional areas.