MOVES to stop an investigation into the Glenorchy City Council will be heard in the Supreme Court today.
Glenorchy Alderman Jenny Branch-Allen has applied for an order from the Supreme Court asking for board of inquiry members Barry Easther and Lynn Mason to explain why the investigation into the council should go ahead.
Ald Branch-Allen declined to comment yesterday.
The move comes just two weeks after Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein extended the deadline for the inquiry.
Mr Gutwein ordered the probe late last year after months of council infighting and a public stoush between Mayor Kristie Johnston and general manager Peter Brooks.
“Following considerable and ongoing public concern and investigations by the Director of Local Government, significant divisions continue to exist within the Glenorchy City Council as well as between elected members and senior staff,” Mr Gutwein said at the time.
“Such divisions and poor relationships adversely impact on governance arrangements and are not conducive to good decision-making.”
Last night Mr Gutwein said the Government was aware of the action “but is unable to comment further given it is currently before the court”.
Ald Johnston said she found out about the legal action yesterday.
“I had no knowledge of the application being made,” she told the Mercury last night.
On February 13, two days before the board of inquiry’s report was due, Mr Gutwein announced the inquiry cut-off had been extended to April 18.
“It is important that we get this right and that the report is as accurate and comprehensive as possible,” he said at the time.
