By BRIDGET COOK
THE court case into alleged breaches of the Local Government Act by Casey’s CEO has been adjourned.
Chief executive Mike Tyler was summonsed to appear in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after he was charged with two breaches of the Local Government Act for allegedly failing to notify the mayor and the council of a conflict of interest in a matter for which he had authority.
Mr Tyler did not attend the mention hearing but a request presented to the court seeking an adjournment was granted.
The case has been adjourned until Thursday 16 May.
As well as the conflict of interest charges, the Local Government Department Inspectorate alleged that Mr Tyler then committed council resources and funds to a matter in which he had a personal interest, without notifying the mayor or council as required under the legislation.
The case involves a sexual harassment claim lodged against Mr Tyler by a former female staff member in 2010.
A confidential settlement was reached at a VCAT mediation hearing in May 2011.
Casey councillors were not made aware of the matter until after the settlement was reached – including details of the allegations and legal and settlement costs.
Last month, Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the council would consider the outcomes of the court process before deciding on any future action.
“Council will not be funding Mr Tyler’s defence,” she said.
“Mr Tyler is entitled to due process, and until the matter concludes, it is inappropriate for council to make any further comment.
“Once the matter is finalised, council will advise residents of the outcome.”
