He also called for a royal commission into local government.
“Ever since I said something that most people are thinking, but nobody’s had the guts or courage to say, I have had a machine – a political machine from both the Labor Party and the pride movement – undermine everything that I’ve done as mayor,” he said.
Whittlesea Mayor Aidan McLindon.Credit: Paul Rovere
“I have not had an argument with anybody in the building at the City of Whittlesea, yet I have been smeared and slandered against to say that I have been aggressive and that I have been a bully.
“I’d be lucky to know 10 staff in that building, and I am collegial with every single one of them.”
Despite facing calls from his fellow councillors to resign, McLindon said he had no intention of doing so and was investigating an appeal.
The City of Whittlesea said on Wednesday afternoon that a new mayor would be selected within one month, as per the Local Government Act.
City of Whittlesea’s deputy mayor, Daniela Zinni, and mayor, Aidan McLindon, in November 2024.Credit: City of Whittlesea
At a meeting on February 18, other Whittlesea councillors voted unanimously to call for McLindon’s resignation after a public petition urged him to resign. McLindon was not present for the vote due to a conflict of interest.
On February 4, councillors wrote to the local government minister, urging Staikos to initiate an independent investigation into misconduct allegations.
During his suspension, McLindon will not be permitted to perform any of the functions or duties of a councillor or mayor, including attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.
Staikos said he was satisfied the step was necessary to “protect the health and safety” of Whittlesea councillors and staff.
An independent inquiry will also investigate “serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns” that have plagued the council since the October local government elections.
When asked if he might face the sack following the state government inquiry, McLindon said he did not know or care.
“They’ve demonstrated to us that some of these people in here are a law upon themselves. It will be Caesar judging Caesar,” he said. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Whittlesea Mayor Aidan McLindon on Wednesday.Credit: Paul Rovere
In a statement, Whittlesea Council said it “welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the council and staff”.
In November 2024, municipal monitors were appointed to oversee Whittlesea after the previous council was sacked in 2020.
A commission of inquiry is a rare step above the appointment of municipal monitors and examines serious governance concerns.
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