Wattle Range Council has returned to full strength following the reinstatement of first-term councillor Emma Castine.
She and 45 other elected members and mayors across South Australia had been stood down from office last month following an administrative hiccup with their paperwork at the November 2022 election.
Electoral Commissioner Mick Sherry had acted in accordance with legislation but the State Government quickly passed an Act of Parliament to reverse his punitive action.
Cr Castine attended a council workshop in Millicent on March 10 and then took her place in the meeting chamber at the March monthly meeting on the following Tuesday.
In accordance with newly-passed legislation, acting chief executive Paul Duka read out a statement as the first item of business.
“Members are advised the Local Government (Casual Vacancies) Amendment Act 2023 commenced operation on March 9,” Mr Duka said.
“The effect of this Act is to provide the office occupied by Ms Emma Castine is taken not to be, and to never have been, vacant as a result of the ordinary operation of Section 54(1)(h) of the Local Government Act 1999.”
Cr Castine was an active participant in the meeting which lasted almost five hours.
She was a frequent contributor to debate, moved seven motions and seconded a further four.
Her presence means Wattle Range Council is back on target to have the first uninterrupted council since its formation in 1997.
