Inspectors to quiz Ronald

Paul Dunlop
MUNICIPAL inspectors are to interview Cardinia Shire councillor Bill Ronald over alleged breaches of the Local Government Act.
The longserving Pakenham Ward councillor is being investigated over a host of claims relating to his conduct on council.
The investigations could result in Cr Ronald being stood down if some of the more serious claims are proven.
Local Government Victoria (LGV) has been looking into Cr Ronald’s affairs for the past year.
An LGV spokesperson said inspectors wanted to interview Cr Ronald about a “number of things”.
The allegations inspectors want to discuss with Cr Ronald include that he:
Released confidential information to somebody vying for a works contract;
Failed to accurately disclose his beneficial interests in relation to the estate of P.B. Ronald, the contract of sale in relation to land forming part of that estate and open space arrangements; and
Failed to accurately disclose monetary gifts received from Andrew Facey/Krastoy Pty Ltd;
Inspectors also want to interview Cr Ronald over claims he was involved in a number of council decisions in which he failed to declare a pecuniary interest or a conflict of interest.
The LGV spokesperson said an interview was scheduled for next Monday, 17 October.
The investigation will result in a report to Local Government Minister Candy Broad.
A Supreme Court ruling recently compelled Cr Ronald to face questioning, but only over matters that had been specifically identified.
Cr Ronald had previously opposed being interviewed, contending that the inspector was seeking to investigate matters beyond his power.
Cr Ronald said the issue was old news and indicative of the way he was being “persecuted” by the council.
He described the investigation as a part of a campaign to discredit him in the community.
“People can’t believe how much I’m putting up with,” he said.
“You would think with the council almost $50 million in debt that that would be the main talking point, but people are being bombarded with accusations about me.”
Cr Ronald said he was confident the investigation would reveal no wrongdoing.
He said he planned to seek reelection in November.
“It’s nothing new, there’s nothing in it,” Cr Ronald said of the investigation.
“It’s just time and effort and drama and more ratepayers’ money wasted.”