Media Releases

6 October 2017

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has suspended a Warrumbungle Shire councillor for misconduct.
Councillor Fred Clancy has been suspended for one month by the Chief Executive of OLG over an incident in which he acted in an aggressive manner towards a female council staff member.
Clr Clancy has also been ordered to apologise in writing to the staff member for his inappropriate behaviour and the apology to be tabled at a council meeting.
OLG found that Clr Clancy was in breach of the council’s code of conduct in that he argued “with the council employee in an aggressive manner which included pointing a finger at the face of the employee and speaking in a raised voice whilst in close proximity to the employee”.
Clr Clancy has also been ordered to cease engaging in misconduct as he previously received a warning and training for similar conduct.
“I note Clr Clancy has not demonstrated an acknowledgement that his conduct was unacceptable nor an understanding of the impact of his behaviour on the council employee,” Acting OLG Chief Executive Tim Hurst said in his Statement of Reasons for taking disciplinary action.
“I am also aware of the imbalance of power and authority between Clr Clancy and the council employee which, in my opinion, exacerbates the breaches of the code of conduct.”
Clr Clancy’s one month suspension from civic office will take effect from October 16.
Warrumbungle Shire Council referred the matter to OLG under the misconduct provisions of the Local Government Act after it formally censured Clr Clancy for breaching its code of conduct.
All councillors in NSW must comply with their council’s code of conduct which sets appropriate standards of behaviour.
The Chief Executive of OLG can suspend a councillor for up to three months for misconduct. Councillors have right of appeal to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The Statement of Reasons for Clr Clancy’s suspension can be found on the OLG website at http://bit.ly/2hQfolm

Media contact: Mark Nolan 0421 613 720