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LETTER: Pathway forward unclear

This is my personal statement and does not represent Horsham Rural City Council.

As most people know, at the Horsham council meeting on June 27, a motion with serious allegations towards myself was endorsed by four of my fellow councillors to refer me to the Local Government Inspectorate for further investigation. 

I believe all these concerns should follow the processes outlined in the council’s Councillor Code of Conduct, Local Government Association and governance rules, which councillors all agreed to abide by in the oath taken when elected.

When I finally receive details and particulars of the allegations made against me, I will respond accordingly.



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I do not believe these allegations, are connected to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne’s appointment of a municipal monitor to the council.

 I wrote to former Local Government Minister Shaun Leane on June 6 requesting ministerial intervention and Cr Ross, Cr Haenel and myself sent a letter to Minister Horne at lunchtime on June 27 requesting ministerial intervention urgently.

In view of the events of the past fortnight and the preceding matters I have faced along my journey, the question I now pose: Is there any possibility that this council can be the council this community needs? 

Hopefully a monitor to Horsham council achieves a successful outcome like that of Ararat Rural City Council.

Events during my Councillor journey since November 2020 have taken a toll on my health, and now I am challenged further with my responsibility to be in the chamber to represent the community, but to also take care of my health and my family.

Sincere thanks to all the wonderful community members who have offered support in the past two weeks. 

I will always work for our community with passion and commitment.

Di Bell, councillor, 

Horsham Rural City

The entire July 13, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!