Suspended Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon has announced he will take legal action in the Supreme Court in a bid to overturn his six-month suspension, claiming the Victorian Government acted unlawfully.
According to The Herald Sun, Mr McLindon was suspended from his role as mayor and councillor on April 16 under new powers introduced to the Local Government Act in October 2024, marking the first time the mechanism has been used.
The suspension followed a recommendation by Victorian Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, who cited serious concerns about workplace safety and governance at the council.
In a written statement to the Herald Sun, Mr McLindon said he had received legal advice suggesting the Minister’s decision may not have been lawful.
“As a result of this advice I will be applying to the Supreme Court to judicially review the actions of the Minister,” he wrote.
The suspension came after Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd banned Mr McLindon from attending council premises, including meetings he chaired, following accusations of staff and councillor intimidation. The ban was also preceded by a vote of no confidence in the mayor by his fellow councillors.
Mr McLindon has denied all allegations, insisting he is being punished for challenging council spending and policies, such as rate increases and the flying of rainbow flags at childcare centres.
“(The suspension) should send shivers down the spine of every democratically elected councillor in this state to say your jobs are no longer safe,” he said.
Minister Staikos, citing a report by appointed municipal monitors and additional information provided to his office, said it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are expected.
Following the suspension, the Victorian Government launched a four-month commission of inquiry into Whittlesea Council, beginning on May 19, to investigate systemic governance failures and explore necessary legislative or regulatory reforms.
“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented,” Mr Staikos said. “This inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community.”
Source: The Herald Sun
