In our last newsletter, No 65, Carlos Quaremba’s Maiden Speech in Parliament, which was in script form only, you can now see the video footage by clicking the link below.

Happy watching, Council Watch.

Weblink – Hon. Carlos Quaremba MLC – First Speech on 21 May 2026

Hon. Carlos Quaremba MLC – First Speech on 21 May 2026

Hello Everyone,

One of the most important decisions affecting the future direction of the City of Victor Harbor is now unfolding and many residents may not yet realise just how close the Council is to locking in a new Chief Executive Officer immediately before the 2026 local government elections.

Council Watch has now formally raised serious governance, transparency, and democratic accountability concerns regarding the rapidly progressing CEO recruitment process. This important because the person appointed as CEO will help shape council culture, financial management, governance standards, transparency, and the future direction of Victor Harbor for years to come.

Yet despite the significance of the decision, major questions are now emerging regarding the following –

• the speed of the process;
• the concentration of influence within a small selection group;
• the lack of clearly identifiable public Council discussion;
• and whether the incoming Council will be unfairly restricted from having meaningful input into the final appointment.

Council Watch believes this issue now goes far beyond personalities and is about protecting democratic process, public confidence, and fair governance.

The attached special newsletter examines –

• who sits on the CEO Selection Panel;
• why concerns are being raised regarding independence;
• comparisons with the 2017 recruitment process;
• and why Council Watch believes the process should slow down and return “Back to Base Zero” before the community loses further confidence.

This may become one of the defining governance issues leading into the 2026 council elections.

Please take the time to read and share this important community briefing.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Andrews (Chairman)
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Welcome to our Newsletter,
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc. has released a Special Investigation Newsletter examining the recent deputation by Carlos Quaremba to the City of Victor Harbor Council on 27 April 2026.

This edition focuses on the broader implications of Mr Quaremba’s address, particularly his outlined direction for proposed reforms to local government in South Australia. These include measures aimed at strengthening accountability of elected members, reviewing governance practices, and addressing structural inefficiencies within council administration.

The newsletter places these developments in context, highlighting how Victor Harbor has been positioned within the wider reform discussion and why the issues raised may have statewide significance.

This is an opportunity to share a clear, structured analysis of emerging policy directions that could affect councils, ratepayers, and community governance moving forward.

We encourage you to circulate the newsletter to your networks for awareness and informed discussion.

The time for change is now.

Terry Andrews

Chair – Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
Email: councilwatch44@gmail.com
Web: https://councilwatchvictorharbor.com/

“Accountability with Integrity”

This correspondence is provided in good faith as part of Council Watch’s public interest oversight activities.

Dear Members,

Please find attached the latest Council Watch Fleurieu Inc. Newsletter — April 2026.

This edition provides a detailed examination of the recent City of Victor Harbor Council decision regarding the stamp duty exemption motion, the subsequent attempt to reverse that decision, and the broader governance, legal, and community implications arising from those events.

Overview
In this newsletter, Council Watch outlines:

The sequence of events surrounding the February motion and March reconsideration

Key governance concerns, including process, advice, and decision-making standards

Questions regarding the use of “revocation” versus proper legislative mechanisms

The impact of the decision on community confidence and public perception

Analysis of the policy itself and its practical implications for Victor Harbor residents

Observations on leadership, accountability, and the roles played within the chamber

The newsletter also includes links to the full, unedited video recordings of both council meetings, allowing members to independently review the proceedings and form their own conclusions.

Council Watch remains committed to providing factual, transparent and considered oversight in the public interest.

We encourage all members to read the newsletter in full and share it with others in the community.

Should you have any feedback or wish to become more involved, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,
Terry Andrews
Chair — Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Email: councilwatch44@gmail.com
Web: https://councilwatchvictorharbor.com/

“Accountability with Integrity”
The time for change is now!

COUNCIL WATCH FLEURIEU INC.
Accountability with Integrity

Special Governance Edition (4-3-2026)

Baby Boomers-When Down sizing Becomes a Disadvantage

Recent reporting has focused on how Victor Harbor’s request to be excluded from Labor’s proposed stamp-duty exemption for down sizers over 60 may affect incoming retirees.

But there is another side to this story — one that directly affects the people who already live here.

What About Our Own Residents?

Many long-term Victor Harbor residents live in:

• larger family homes
• homes built for raising children
• properties no longer suited to ageing in place

As health, mobility or life circumstances change, down sizing is not a lifestyle choice.

It becomes a necessity. That might mean-

• moving to a smaller unit locally
• transitioning into more manageable housing
• or relocating closer to major medical services in Adelaide

The proposed stamp-duty exemption was designed to make that transition easier.

But Victor Harbor Asked To Be Left Out

Council has formally requested that Victor Harbor be excluded from the exemption.

If granted, this would not just deter new retirees.

It would also mean local residents over 60 could be denied the same financial relief available elsewhere.

In practical terms this meas that a long-time Victor Harbor resident who needs to sell and move either within the town or toward metropolitan medical care could face thousands of dollars in additional transaction costs.

Simply because of where they live.

A Local Mobility Penalty – Down sizing is often driven by:

• declining health
• reduced mobility
• financial sustainability
• proximity to support networks

Removing access to a stamp-duty concession creates a structural barrier to that transition. This is not about attracting or discouraging outsiders but it is about whether existing residents are free to adapt to life’s realities or are financially constrained by geography.

The Unintended Consequence

The request was framed around managing demographic balance, but the outcome may be that Victor Harbor seniors are treated differently from seniors in neighbouring communities.

Not because of income, not because of need, but because of location.

The Question For Our Community

Should long-standing residents face additional costs when making necessary life transitions? Or should policy recognise that down sizing is often about health, independence and dignity, not lifestyle preference? Because sometimes the biggest policy impact isn’t who comes in… It’s whether those already here can move forward.

 Terry Andrews (Chair)

Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Donations Welcome
Community Bank Victor Harbor — BSB: 633 000 Account No – 202 917 142

Your support helps keep local government accountable

Dear Readers

Please find our latest newsletter in the pdf attachment. It has extreme financial implications for every ratepayer, so please read the information carefully. Also ask questions of the elected members for the reasons that have guided their voting. Council Watch hopes to remind voters of the important issues that the Councillors have voted on when the Council Election takes place.

If you have friends that do not receive our newsletters, please pass on our contact details or get them to check our website at councilwatchvictorharbor.com

Regards Keith.