In April, the News ran a front page story about ICAC wrapping up its inquiries into improper conduct claims at the council - the 17th probe in three years - stating they had found a grand total of zero improprieties.

Everyone drew a huge sigh of relief and it was back to business as usual.

But, as it seems with many corporate and government organisations these days, scrutiny is never far away.

Which is why it’s sad to see further allegations of misconduct make their way into the public arena, this time a repeat look at Council’s “vanishing cars” act (see front page story).

As the general public, we should be assured that the staff and management entrusted with our governance behave in a proper manner, ie, they follow procedures transparently and by the book.

When this is not done, the public surely has a right to know about it; even more so if the villains are the very people we empower to enforce local law and maintain accepted ethics.

If people in authority abuse their power, what can be expected of the society beneath?

And, unfortunately, it only takes the tiniest black paintstroke to tarnish an entire picture, ie, good people get thrown in with the bad.

Whatever eventuates from this current saga, it’s important to acknowledge that the vast majority of Council staff and management do act according to the rules at all times.

If they don’t, then the appropriate body will be called in to investigate. And we’re pretty sure ICAC knows the way to Wingecarribee by now...