Blue Mountains Public Inquiry Final Report
Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government
Thursday, 25 March 2021
The NSW Government today tabled the final report following a public inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council to investigate allegations relating to asbestos management and organisational governance.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Government has accepted the recommendation made by the public inquiry’s Commissioner Richard Beasley SC.
The public inquiry found that failings in asbestos management prior to mid-2017 have since been remedied by the council and there is no basis for its dismissal.
The report recommended the Government consider distributing a toolkit developed by Blue Mountains City Council to local councils across the State to assist them with their ongoing asbestos management.
“The asbestos management toolkit will be a valuable resource for all NSW councils to benefit from Blue Mountains City Council’s learnings and approach,” Mrs Hancock said.
“All councils must ensure that they protect their workers and residents from the dangers of asbestos, which is why the Government supports this sensible recommendation by the Commissioner.
The former Minister for Local Government ordered the public inquiry, with proceedings delayed due to COVID-19 and other regulatory investigations.
The public inquiry final report can be accessed on the Office of Local Government website here.
MEDIA: Jane Boag | 0419 417 514
| PDF Version | Ministerial Media Release – 25 March 2021 |