SUPREME COURT, MELBOURNE. — The Supreme Court yesterday ruled the suspension of Whittlesea City Council mayor, Aidan McLindon, last year by the state government was invalid.
Aidon McLindon was stood down as mayor of Whittlesea for six months in April 2025 after he was accused of intimidating behaviour and poor conduct, which he has always denied.
The then-local government minister Nick Staikos recommended the suspension of Cr McLindon, saying it was “necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council”.
At the same time, Mr Staikos announced an independent inquiry into the Whittlesea council after receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention.
The Commission of Inquiry also raised concerns about other councillors and staff, resulting in the appointment of municipal monitors to the Whittlesea council.
Yesterday’s judgment also noted allegations from the monitors that Cr McLindon had trivialised a petition of 1,300 signatures calling for him to resign as Whittlesea City mayor, sought to intimidate the council’s chief executive officer and caused emotional distress to several councillors and staff.
However, the Supreme Court found that Cr McLindon was not afforded procedural fairness during the monitors’ investigation because they did not provide him with sufficient details about the allegations and their proposed findings against him, or the opportunity to respond.
The court ruled that the monitors’ report was rendered invalid and therefore the minister had no basis to recommend his suspension.
