There's been a mixed response from residents and businesses in Tasmania's north-east to news their local council has been suspended. Many believe the council's been doing a good job while others say if there's any hint of wrongdoing, it must be investigated.
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00:00 For Scottsdale pub owner Ken Locke, not having local councillors is a disappointing blow.
00:07 When he took on the pub last year, the Dorset Mayor helped get him on his feet.
00:11 I had a lot of discussion with Greg on what his thoughts were on what was happening in
00:18 the area and he sort of filled me in on what was going on.
00:21 Earlier this week the state government announced it was suspending the Dorset councillors and
00:25 mayor. A board of inquiry will investigate allegations of mismanagement, improper conduct
00:31 and disrespect for community members.
00:34 The Dorset council have done a lot of good for this community.
00:37 If there's things that have been done wrong they need to be fixed and be suspended until
00:42 it is fixed.
00:43 There is a lot of uncertainty but all you could do is just find out more and get the
00:50 clarification to say what is happening.
00:55 Suspended Mayor Greg Howard says the inquiry is a witch hunt.
01:00 And do you think you've done anything wrong?
01:01 No, absolutely not.
01:02 He says the suspension will result in a lack of representation for residents.
01:07 People in rural councils and especially in Dorset like to bring their complaints and
01:12 issues direct to councillors and that can't happen.
01:17 Andrew Wardlaw has been appointed as commissioner and will work with the general manager to
01:21 oversee all council matters, including approving development applications.
01:27 The inquiry is expected to take around seven months and a report by the board will be finalised
01:32 by February next year.
01:34 In the meantime council meetings will still be held here and the public are welcome to
01:39 attend.
01:40 Local government minister Nick Street says all services will continue to be provided
01:45 for ratepayers.
01:46 [BLANK_AUDIO]