The highest office I sought was Chairman of a local government council Audit and Risk Management Committee overseeing council finances, reporting, audit compliance and risk management.
Three years as a committee member and then five years as Chairman.
In that time we rejected two annual reports for lack of disclosure; saved the council from investing in CDO's for minimal additional interest which by the way cost some other Australian councils $millions and lengthy court cases to recover some funds.
And finally it my last two years as Chair the council undertook a $40 million development to build public sporting grounds (football, soccer, cricket, tennis courts), a visitor changeroom complex with associated commercial kitchens for public event catering, a massive skatepark and playground for children and a new council office complex replacing old, old offices not fit for purpose and in fact hindered staff retention, staff productivity and cost the council valuable dollars each year on maintence.
The best part was that we brought the project in on time and on budget despite 12 months of really bad weather and even more pleasing the internal full time resource who managed the whole project earned overwhelming community endorsement and is now a successful local government CEO in another part of Victoria.
That eight years was my community service utilising my senior background in finance, governance etc.
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I know the Vic opposition is weak and riven by factions. It drives me mad. If you or others are frustrated then think of me as ten times frustrated.
