[Greens-Media] (Sylvia Hale MLC) Rockdale Councillors Flaunt Code Of Conduct

[Christopher Holley]

Rockdale Councillors Flaunt Code Of Conduct

”Rockdale Council's decision to benefit two local restaurants by
constructing a car park on the sand dunes at Brighton-le-Sands shows the
new Local Government Code of Conduct has failed to address potential
conflicts of interest,” said Sylvia Hale, Greens MP and Planning and
Local Government Spokesperson.

“At a public meeting in early November, more than 150 local residents
expressed their perception that the car park would overwhelmingly
benefit the Le Sands and Botany Bay restaurants where the Labor party
regularly holds fundraising dinners.”

”The decision this week by Rockdale Council to proceed with the car
park appears to flaunt the new Code of Conduct and make a mockery of
community consultation,” said Ms Hale.

”The Code of Conduct introduced in June 2008 was meant to address the
corrupting influence of political donations following the Wollongong
Council development scandals involving corrupt developers and ALP
Councillors.” 

“Councillors across NSW are currently receiving instruction by the
Department of Local Government on conflicts of interest, including the
requirement to consider the "perception of influence" [clause 5.3 of
Model Code of Conduct].”

Greens Rockdale Councillor Lesa de Leau said it was revealing that
Labor Councillor Shane O'Brien declared at Wednesday night's Council
meeting he had a significant non-pecuniary interest because the ALP held
fundraisers at the restaurants.

”This shows that Rockdale Labor Councillors have benefited from these
fundraisers, giving rise to very strong public perception that a
conflict of interest exists. Why didn't the other four Labor Councillors
also declare a conflict?”

”The Mayor is pushing through the tender with suspicious haste.
Community opposition is being ignored and planning design decisions are
being made off the cuff by the Lands Minister despite the car park
contravening the statutory planning codes,” said Cr de Leau.

A motion to rescind Wednesday night's decision will be debated at an
extraordinary meeting next Monday.

(Word doc attached)
Further information or comment: 
Chris Holley (Sylvia Hale MLC) 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546, 
Cr Lesa de Leau 0413 581 603