Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said he would instruct Local Government Victoria to impose a rigorous system of monitoring and monthly reporting on the conduct of the council.

"The Government accepts in full the recommendations contained within the report and they will be implemented.

"Penalties [for] serious offences will be raised so they match the expectations of the public and of this government."

But Opposition spokeswoman Janette Powell said the report highlighted that the council as a Labor-dominated faction, serving its own political agenda while the community was denied important infrastructure.

"This report is a scathing indictment on the Brumby Government and the minister, who the Ombudsman found did not deal adequately with com-

plaints against Brimbank Council. The buck stops with Minister Wynne. He has failed to fulfil his ministerial role by covering up a culture of Labor Party corruption and interference."