An announcement has been made regarding the future of Wingecarribee Shire Council.
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Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman announced that all civic offices were vacant and the election was to be held in 2024 after nine recommendations were made by Commissioner Ross Glover following the public inquiry.
"All suspended councillors are dismissed and those roles will be filled September 2024," she said.
"The commissioner has concluded in his report that the elected body did not adequately, reasonably and appropriately discharge its roles and responsibilities at all times during the 2016 term and council.
"The commissioner also concluded that on balance it was doubtful that the elected body would remain free of dysfunction of the kind seen during the 2016 term."
Mr Viv May PSM, who has been Interim Administrator of Wingecarribee Shire Council since March 2021, will continue in his role until a new election is held.
Mrs Tuckerman said she accepted the report's key recommendation that all civic offices at Wingecarribee Shire Council should be declared vacant, and had advised the council.
Read also:
- Day one of the public inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council underway
- 'There was very little support'; Witness details interactions with the council on day two of inquiry
- 'Their behaviour was worse than primary school children' Day three of public inquiry continues
- Former council staff member 'disappointed' by council behaviour on day four of inquiry
- Allegations of unprofessional attitudes and bullying made on day five of the public inquiry
"The report raised serious concerns about dysfunction within Wingecarribee Shire Council and returning councillors to their civic offices was not a sustainable or acceptable situation," she said.
"Wingecarribee residents deserve confidence their council is operating in their best interests, and by taking this action, we will ensure certainty and stability for both residents and council staff."
Mrs Tuckerman said representatives of the council were there to serve the community.
Related:
- 'I wanted to send a clear message' Interim administrator Viv May speaks on day seven of inquiry
- 'Disunity' and 'distrust' key themes on day eight of the public inquiry
- Former councillors detail 'not so positive' and 'inappropriate' behaviours on day nine of the public inquiry
- 'Not a safe work place', former senior staff member details bullying in council on day 10 of the public inquiry
- 'Council is a strange beast'; Suspended councillors make an appearance on day 11 of the public inquiry
- Suspended councillors speak of a "dysfunctional" council on day 12 of the public inquiry
- Garry Turland and Duncan Gair speak on day 14 of the public inquiry
"This is about delivering services. There are obligations under the Act that they need to follow, and it's very important that that occurs for governing bodies to be successful and to deliver those services to the community," she said.
"I encourage anyone to read the report. We move forward with the hope that the organization can rebuild as necessary, and be ready for an incoming council in 2024."
Ms Tuckerman said there were no restrictions to stop the dismissed councillors running for local council again.
"This is a democracy and anyone who is entitled to run for the election will be able to do so," she said.
"But having said that, you know, it's the community that elects the governing body and the one would hope that they will be very discerning on selecting."
Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith said he welcomed the recommendations.
"We've seen dysfunction of this council, not only in terms of councillors but in staff. Ratepayers will know now that they have the leadership under administrator Viv May to move forward to the 2024 elections," he said.
Viv May said it was appropriate the announcement was made in the council chamber because "it was in the chamber that questions were asked and evidence was given", referring to the public inquiry.
"I think within the walls of this chamber, the ghosts of Commissioner Glover and Counsel assisting David Parish will be a reminder to people that local government is here to serve the community," he said.
"You're here to listen, here to be respectful. It's not about ego, personality, and entitlements.
"Minister thanks very much for appointing me as administrator up until 2024. Residents can be assured that I will continue to be honest and transparent in my dealings, and I will keep listening."
Elections for new Wingecarribee Shire councillors will be held on September 14, 2024, aligning with the next ordinary council elections across NSW.
Mrs Tuckerman said she would consider the remaining recommendations made by the Commissioner in due course.
A copy of the report is available at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public-inquiries
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