Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has requested an Office of Local Government departmental report to determine whether Cr Andrew Thaler has taken the necessary actions to comply with the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) he issued in February. Image: Supplied.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council is facing continued scrutiny as multiple complaints against Councillor Andrew Thaler continue to be investigated by the NSW Government.
The probe comes in the wake of a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) issued to the council in February to address significant issues related to financial management, transparency and councillor behaviour.
Since his election to council in September 2024, Cr Thaler has been an outspoken advocate for greater transparency, accountability and honesty within the council.
However, his conduct has sparked concerns among council staff and some parts of the wider community.
By December 2024, more than 19 formal complaints had been lodged against him, accusing him of harassment, bullying and misconduct in both personal interactions and online.
These complaints have prompted the ongoing investigation by the Office of Local Government (OLG) to determine whether Cr Thaler’s behaviour breaches the terms of the PIO.
The PIO, issued by the NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, sets clear expectations for councillor conduct and aims to address governance and management issues within the Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
All 11 councillors were required to sign the order, which mandates they submit monthly reports to the minister detailing their compliance with the 13 actions outlined in the PIO, with any relevant information included in these reports.
The first compliance report in response to the PIO has been submitted and is being assessed by the OLG.
According to the OLG, Minister Hoenig has also requested a departmental report to determine whether Cr Thaler has taken the necessary actions to comply with the order.
A spokesperson for the OLG reiterated that the investigation was taking the concerns of staff and the local community seriously.
“There are processes that need to be followed under the Local Government Act when considering action against a councillor who has been democratically elected,” the spokesperson said.
“However, the powers available under the act will be utilised with full force where appropriate.”
A breach could ultimately result in suspension under the Local Government Act.
Amid growing controversy, Cr Thaler has continued to publicly defend his actions, emphasising his commitment to the community and criticising the council’s handling of various issues.
Using social media, he has rejected accusations of misconduct, suggesting that the ongoing investigations are politically motivated.
He maintains that his advocacy for transparency and accountability within the council is the root cause of the complaints against him, arguing that he has been pushing for the council to be more responsive to the concerns of local residents.
The Snowy Monaro community remains divided on Cr Thaler’s behaviour and performance.
Some continue to support him, citing his strong advocacy on local issues, while others are increasingly concerned about the negative impact his actions may have on the council’s ability to function effectively.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan has called for stronger action, stressing that any form of abusive or disrespectful behavior is unacceptable, especially when it involves public officials.
“Councillors are meant to represent the community with dignity and respect. The current situation cannot be ignored any longer,” he said.
Last week, NSW Nationals MLC and former Monaro MP Nichole Overall delivered a speech in parliament criticising Minister Hoenig for failing to act on Cr Thaler’s conduct.
Ms Overall argued that Cr Thaler’s behavior was undermining the integrity of local governance, adding that he was “flagrantly violating” the recent PIO.
In a call to action, a segment of the Snowy Monaro community has launched a campaign in support of Cr Thaler’s efforts to bring change to the region.
Supporters are encouraging local ratepayers and constituents to voice their concerns about the council’s management by contacting the Local Government Minister and other members of parliament to express their dissatisfaction with the council’s performance.
One letter circulating among supporters of Cr Thaler highlights several key issues that they believe have been mismanaged by the council, including the divestment of the 40-bed aged care facility Yallambee Lodge, a water tank rupture in Cooma North and alleged asbestos contamination in Michelago.
The letter states that these issues are “catastrophic” for the area and that the council has failed to address them adequately.
Cr Thaler’s supporters argue that his efforts to hold the council accountable are vital for the community and they are calling for a positive resolution to the issues facing the region.
Cr Thaler was contacted by Region for further comment but none was forthcoming.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is one of seven councils in NSW under a PIO.
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