Immediately after tonight’s Extraordinary Meeting [Extraordinary Meeting presents united front], Mayor Neil Reilly and CEO Jane Stroud held a meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman.

“It was a very sobering experience,” says Mayor Reilly.

“The Minister is seeking action and that is not going to be easy, but her message is clear.

“The unity of tonight’s meeting could only have helped our cause.”

Mayor Reilly reports the Minister supported the proactive stance of releasing the letter from the Auditor-General, saying it was in line with the transparency shown by Council throughout this whole scenario.

“She said now is the time for decisive action,” he says.

“She agrees the Council is working in unity and suggested it would be foolish to do otherwise.

“She said she will help us along the way with whatever she can do."

The Minister has already the unusual step of writing to each councillor individually, to point out the urgency of the situation and their responsibilities under the Local Government Act.

The letter goes on to say, "Should I view Council’s actions are not in accordance with the responsibilities outlined I will consider enacting further intervention options that are available to me."