Council reaffirms leadership, calls for constructive engagement
Published on 24 July 2025
West Wimmera Shire Councillors have had the opportunity to review the letter from the Australian Services Union (ASU) and wish to respond to the matters raised.
West Wimmera Shire Council reaffirms its strong commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and professional working environment for all staff.
It is expected that all parties, including staff and unions, respect and adhere to established processes, as outlined in Council’s human resources policies.
The letter from the ASU includes various allegations and broad accusations and goes so far as to request that Council stand down both the Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer.
Councillors emphasise that staffing matters fall entirely within the operational responsibilities of Council officers.
Under the Local Government Act, staffing is the statutory responsibility of the CEO or their delegates, not Councillors.
Councillors are aware that the CEO has already formally requested that the ASU advise its members to report any concerns through Council’s established internal processes. To date, no such reports have been submitted.
Councillors take this opportunity to remind all parties that the current dispute centres on income protection insurance.
Both Council and the ASU have agreed to refer this question to the Fair Work Commission for clarification regarding references to income protection in the current Enterprise Agreement.
A hearing date has been set for October.
Councillors are increasingly concerned and disappointed that the ASU has launched public attacks on both the Mayor and the CEO rather than engaging in genuine industrial dialogue.
This approach is viewed as part of a pattern of adversarial tactics commonly employed by the ASU, rather than a commitment to fair and respectful negotiation.
The ASU letter also contains vague and baseless allegations against the Chief Executive Officer.
Deputy Mayor Jodie Pretlove said Councillors had carefully considered the claims and rejected the need for a formal investigation.
“Councillors categorically refute any suggestion of improper conduct by the CEO,” she said.
“We see no justification for a formal investigation based on such broad and unsupported assertions.
“Councillors remain firmly committed to upholding a safe and respectful workplace for all.”
Cr Pretlove also confirmed Councillors’ full confidence in the leadership of the organisation.
“Councillors are united in their full support for both Mayor Tim Meyer and CEO David Bezuidenhout,” she said.
West Wimmera Shire Council remains focused on serving its community, maintaining respectful workplace relations, and continuing constructive engagement with staff, unions, and stakeholders.