Investigation into Liverpool Council: CEO suspended and explosive infighting

The NSW Government has ordered an investigation into a Sydney southwest council, following its descent into chaos after a five-hour council meeting resulting in police being called.

Photos of the outside of Liverpool Council from a few different angles.on Monday, 23 July 2018. (AAP IMAGE / Flavio Brancaleone)

Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has called for an investigation into a southwest Sydney council following a tense five-hour council meeting, during which police were called to manage the chaos.

A parliamentary speech from Leppington MP Nathan Hagarty appears to have inflamed council staff members after he expressed “grave concerns” about Liverpool Council’s hiring practices.

The confidential meeting session was reportedly held to discuss Liverpool Council CEO John Ajaka’s employment status, and resulted in his suspension after allegedly telling Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun to “shut the f – k up.”

Police were called to attend Liverpool Council due to USU union members refusing to leave the premises. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek

Leppington MP Nathan Haggarty raised concerns about Liverpool Council’s hiring practices with seven associates of the Liberal Party and Mr Ajaka, former Liberal MP.

When approached for comment about the incident, Mr Ajaka said “Council does not comment on the contents of private meetings”.

The investigation into Liverpool Council will look into whether there has been a breakdown in the council’s operations, highlighted by the influx of reports about splintering and infighting between council staff.

The Deputy Secretary Local Government has the power to launch investigations into council operations either independently or at the request of the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig.

Liverpool Council CEO John Ajaka was suspended from his duties following his alleged outburst.

Liverpool Council Mayor Ned Mannoun. Picture: Monique Harmer

“I’ve been concerned about the operations of Liverpool Council for some time and it’s clear there’s a fractured relationship between councillors and staff,” Minister Hoenig said.

Mr Hoenig said he had requested the investigation to provide the local community “reassurance that their council is operating properly.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig requests investigation from Office of Local Government into Liverpool Council. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The terms of reference for the inquiry will be finalised in the next few days and will be published on the Office of Local Government website.

A report from the investigation will be provided to Local Government Minister Hoenig and Liverpool Council after the probe is completed.

A separate investigation will also be looking into offensive, racist and religious chants made by attendees during a USU rally before the Wednesday meeting over the potential sacking of 150 council jobs.