MidCoast Councillor Peter Epov’s Golden Turd Supreme Court win on conduct review

A Mid-North Coast councillor feels vindicated but “anguished” after a code of conduct review against him was thrown out of the state’s highest court for apparent bias. Here’s what we know.

The Development and Environmental Professionals' Association awarded MidCoast Council the Golden Turd award for the second year in a row – for the worst human resources record in local government.

MidCoast Councillor Peter Epov feels both vindicated and angry after a code of conduct review against him – sparked after he spoke out about the infamous Golden Turd Award – was found to be invalid.

The NSW Supreme Court has ruled the review which found he breached confidentiality was “affected by a reasonable apprehension of bias, is invalid and of no effect”.

The review was written on behalf of the council by Newcastle accountant and partner at the firm Lambourne Partners in Newcastle, Paul Quealey.

Mr Quealey has now been ordered to pay Mr Epov’s court costs.

When contacted by this publication, he repeatedly replied: “I am not in a position to comment.”

Paul Quealey acted as conduct reviewer appointed by the MidCoast Council.

When Mr Epov first became aware his own council was the recipient of the Golden Turd Award two years in a row for the most s--t human resources in local government, he spoke out about it.

The Golden Turd is ‘awarded’ by the Development and Environmental Professionals’ Association – a union with members at the council.

MidCoast Council had 300 resignations in the 12 months before the bestowing of title in December last year, according to the association’s research.

The council has since refuted this figure in a statement published on its website following the recent Supreme Court decision.

“This is incorrect. During 2022 a total of 221 staff left council employment. This figure includes resignations, retirements, terminations, etc. During 2023 the number was 185,” the council states.

MidCoast Council took out the Golden Turd award two years running.

When Mr Epov raised a question on notice before a February council meeting in relation to the dubious Golden Turd honour, the general manager ruled it confidential – meaning Mr Epov had potentially breached council’s Code of Conduct by sharing information.

The move left Mr Epov astonished. His question made no reference to an individual or personal information.

“I strongly dispute any breach of confidentiality as this is public information which was published in a number of articles publicly available,” he said.

MidCoast Council pushed ahead and engaged Paul Quealey to carry out the review.

MidCoast Councillor Peter Epov spoke out about the Golden Turd award recently.

The council was noted as plaintiff one and Mr Quealey plaintiff two in Mr Epov’s application to the Supreme Court to have it overturned.

This week the court determined the review was invalid and seemed biased as Mr Quealey had previously conducted an adverse review against Mr Epov.

According to the statement published on council’s website, the Supreme Court ruling “means Council can deal with the complaint afresh”.

Mr Epov says the matter has damaged his reputation and caused extreme emotional distress.

“I struggle to comprehend how such a report was permitted to advance to such a serious stage where I may have suffered severe consequences,” he said.

“I am angry that I was forced to go through an ordeal which caused such harm and unnecessary stress, with the only option being to commit significant personal funds and appeal to the NSW Supreme Court for justice.”

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]