UPDATE: Suspended former Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon is set to return to council duties on Friday, despite a damning report detailing serious misconduct during his brief tenure. An 80-page inquiry report released by the Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea Council on Tuesday reveals shocking accusations against McLindon and highlights a troubling environment for council staff.
The investigation found that McLindon displayed a “complete disregard” for his role as mayor, making bizarre claims against the council while issuing derogatory remarks about minorities. These actions reportedly left some staff feeling unsafe, raising urgent concerns about the council’s leadership and public image.
The report outlines McLindon’s “extremely poor conduct” during his time as mayor, which included unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and a blatant disregard for the LGBTQ and First Nations communities. His provocative public statements during the recent Werribee byelection were described as detrimental to the council’s responsibilities and undermined the trust of the community.
In a stark contrast to the findings, McLindon has remained defiant, rejecting claims of misconduct and asserting he was always respectful. He expressed disappointment over a perceived lack of “procedural fairness” during the inquiry.
Despite the inquiry’s findings, which did not recommend any further suspension, concerns linger about the council’s stability. This latest chapter is compounded by a troubled history for Whittlesea Council, which had its previous council sacked in 2020 due to factionalism and misconduct. The municipality operated without elected councillors until 2024, and now faces a third municipal monitor since 2019.
As McLindon prepares to resume his council position, the implications of this inquiry raise significant questions about governance and accountability within Whittlesea Council. Residents and officials alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what impact it may have on community trust moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues.
