[Greens-Media] NSW Council Code of Conduct to Be Reviewed

[Christopher Holley]

Council Code of Conduct to Be Reviewed - Minister Grilled Over Cessnock Council

NSW Local Government Minister Kerry Hickey has agreed to a review of the code of conduct for local councillors after being grilled at a budget estimates committee hearing about alleged conflicts of interest involving Labor councillors on Cessnock Council.

Greens MP Sylvia Hale asked Mr Hickey about allegations that Cessnock Labor councillors had threatened Greens Councillor James Ryan with referral to the council’s conduct committee if he continued to raise concerns about the alleged conflict of interest.

In response Minister Hickey said “It is very good, isn’t it?” and “I think it is a great system.” 

The Minister did however agree that a review of the code of conduct system should take place saying that it would happen “very soon.”

“I find it extraordinary that the Minister can in one breath say it’s a great system and in the next agree that a review is to be conducted,” said Ms Hale.

“His position seems to be confused at best, but I am pleased that a review will take place because the code of conduct should not be used as a mechanism to try to stop local Councillors raising serious issues of concern,” she said.

Ms Hale repeated the Greens call for a ban on all political donations by property developers. 

“The conflict of interest that arises when local councillors or state political parties or politicians accept donations from developers is obvious. The only way to ensure development applications are decided on their merits is to ban developers making political donations,” declared Ms Hale.

Further information: Chris Holley (02) 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546

Hearing transcript available from NSW parliament website - go to General Purpose Standing Committee 4