Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Georges River councillors subject to an ICAC investigation will be banned from attending council meetings and forums when the matter is being discussed under a proposed order issued for the Georges River Council by the NSW Government.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the proposed Performance Improvement Order (PIO) requires all councillors to make formal undertakings to preserve the integrity of proper processes when raising issues about ongoing investigations and allegations of misconduct by council officials.

“The local Georges River community rightly expects the highest standards of behaviour and integrity from their elected representatives,” Mrs Hancock said.

“We have zero tolerance for councillors failing to meet required standards of conduct, and that’s why we are taking intervention action to preserve the integrity of proper processes and enforce appropriate standards of behaviour.

“The NSW Government will continue to closely watch the actions of councillors and I reserve the right to use my statutory powers as required.”

The proposed PIO includes:

• Each councillor enters into a written undertaking to:

• Refrain from making allegations of wrongdoing against other council officials at council meetings and forums contrary to requirements under the code of conduct
• Refrain from inappropriately moving motions about the referral of allegations of conduct by council officials to external agencies
• Use the proper processes for making allegations of wrongdoing against other council officials
• Refrain from asking questions at council meetings about an ICAC investigation into their conduct
• Not attend any council forum at which an ICAC investigation into their conduct is being considered.

• Council review the adequacy of its systems and protocols for maintaining the confidentiality of information with a particular focus on council investigations

• Council address any inadequacies in its systems and protocols for maintaining the confidentiality of information

As determined by the Local Government Act, the Minister has provided Council with a notice of intention to issue the PIO and allowed 14 days to make a submission.

The Minister must consider any submission before making a final determination on whether to issue the PIO.

MEDIA: Caterina Polistina | Minister Hancock | 0439 196 539