Last Wednesday ICAC visited the Wingecarribee council chambers to talk to councillors and staff about corruption as well as holding a public session last Wednesday.

The public session was the first time Mr Rangott had spoken directly to the public on how to ward against corruption, in what was a coup for the council.

The public session in the civic Centre Theatrette on Wednesday night was well attended with more than 50 concerned citizens turning up to listen.

Mr Rangott spoke in depth about the Wollongong council corruption investigation last year and the NSW RailCorp investigation.

Mr Rangott emphasised that staff and councillors needed to ensure all council business was conducted transparently and even the smallest bribes or favours were to be avoided.

Council general manger Mike Hyde, who organised the talks, said Mr Rangott hit home the message to staff that any rumours of inappropriate behaviour by staff needed to be reported to superiors immediately.

Mike Hyde heard Mr Rangott speak at a similar presentation late last year.

“The council is committed to ensuring it operates with integrity, transparency and in partnership with its community and customers,” he said.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, February 25

benmcclellan@ruralpress.c om