Minister for Local Government Chansey Paech placed the Barkly Regional Council under official management on Tuesday, and all elected members were suspended from office immediately.

The Minister has made this decision because he is satisfied there are, or may be, serious deficiencies in the conduct of the Council’s affairs.

Peter Holt has been appointed Official Manager and now holds the powers of the elected members to ensure the business of Council continues without interruption.

Ruth Morley has been appointed as Investigator to examine the affairs of the Council and will report her findings to the Minister by 12 March 2024.

During the period Council is under official management, elected members will not be able to conduct any official Council business, and all allowances and other entitlements will cease. This process will not affect staff members.

The Barkly Regional Council serves around 8,000 constituents spanning approximately 325,000 square kilometres from Newcastle Waters north to Tara south.

Tennant Creek is the regional centre of the local government area, which also includes Arlparra, Ampilatwatja, Ali Curung, Alpurrurulam, Wutunugurra, and Elliott.

Minister Paech said official management will ensure the continuance of governance at the Barkly Regional Council; and establish its position regarding its fiscal management and service delivery obligations.

“I acknowledge the remoteness of communities served by the Barkly Regional Council provides unique geographic and demographic challenges, but it is imperative that the Council is able to operate effectively so residents receive the services they need and deserve,” he said.

“My decision paves the way for better-functioning services across communities and a more stable future for the people of the Barkly region.” 

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 20 October 2023.