Earlier today September 1, 2021, the Minister for Local Government, Ms Shelley Hancock announced a public inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council.

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Ms Hancock said it followed a recommendation from the Wingecarribee Shire Council interim administrator Viv May to hold a public inquiry which would provide an independent, open and transparent process to help improve its performance.

Mrs Hancock has also suspended the councillors.

"Wingecarribee Shire Council's performance is being seriously hampered by a range of financial, legal, cultural, structural, reputational and governance issues which are of great concern to the local community," she said.

"A public inquiry will help get to the bottom of the issues which have significantly impacted on the Council's performance and resulted in suspension of councillors and appointment of an interim administrator.

"Any member of the public with concerns about Wingecarribee Shire Council can now raise them directly with the Commissioner of the public inquiry.

"It is vital that the good work of the interim administrator to address these serious issues is allowed to continue without inference from councillors and that's why it is in the public interest that they be suspended during the public inquiry."

The Minister appointed barrister Ross Glover as Commissioner to conduct the public inquiry.

Mr Glover has extensive legal experience and previously performed the role of Counsel Assisting the public inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council.

At the conclusion of the public inquiry, the Commissioner will present a report to the Minister with recommendations, which could include issuing further performance improvement orders or dismissing the council and appointing an administrator.

Mrs Hancock said it was crucial the public inquiry be concluded and findings released prior to locals determining the future of their council at an election.

"The public inquiry terms of reference focus on the relationship between councillors and council staff, roles and responsibilities in relation to staffing, planning, development and regulatory functions, as well as compliance by council with its statutory obligations including work, health and safety laws," she said.

"The NSW Government is determined to ensure the local community has a Wingecarribee Shire Council that is serving its best interests."

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith welcomed the minister's decision to hold an independent public inquiry.

Mrs Tuckerman thanked the minister for today's inquiry announcement and the appointment of Viv May to continue in the administrator's role.

"The inquiry is an opportunity for the community to be heard, it's important to fully understand what has taken place, why and what needs to happen to ensure the Wingecarribee Shire Council can best represent the community going forward," she said.

Mr Smith said the decision was a grave one, but it had the overwhelming support of ratepayers, and, more importantly, was the right one.

"The inquiry can focus on the previous council's sins while freeing up Lisa Miscamble and her new executive team to concentrate on building a modern, professional and ratepayer focused culture that the community deserves," he said.

"A more responsive, community oriented council presents greater opportunity to unlock the region's potential and I am even more optimistic that we can now forge a brighter, stronger, and more resilient future for the Southern Highlands."

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