Calls to sack Casey Council amid corruption probe
Pressure is mounting on the state government to sack a suburban council embroiled in a corruption probe, while the councillor at the centre of the scandal is still being paid while hiding out in Egypt.
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A motion to sack the embattled Casey Council, which is at the centre of one of Victoria’s biggest corruption scandals, will be made in the upper house today as frustration grows over the state government’s inaction.
Sustainable Australia MP Clifford Hayes will make the move in the Victorian Legislative Council today urging the Andrews Government to dismiss the council.
“The revelations during the Casey Council corruption saga are disgraceful; they are an ugly stain on Victoria’s integrity and reputation,” Mr Hayes said.
“I’m not one for sacking councils, but Casey should be sacked – and you have to wonder why it hasn’t happened already.”
It is understood he has support from members of the crossbench and Coalition MPs.
And while the motion is unlikely to force the hand of the government, if it passes it sends a strong message about the growing frustration on the issue.
Local government minister Adem Somyurek has previously said he would wait to hear the findings of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) inquiry – that is ongoing – before taking action.
In the interim he has installed independent monitor, Laurinda Gardner, to advise on councillor integrity and oversee decisions.
The main focus of the IBAC corruption inquiry is Sam Aziz who flew to Egypt late last year before the hearings revealed he pocketed $900,000 from Mornington property developer John Woodman.
He has failed to return due to health issues and is currently threatening legal action against the council over his leave arrangements.
Fellow councillor Geoff Ablett has also been revealed as having received money and voting in favour of a contentious rezoning decision of property in Cranbourne West.
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The hearings also heard Mr Woodman had given political donations to other council members including current mayor Susan Serey.
Mr Clifford’s motion will also call on the government to introduce legislation to ban donations to political parties, sitting politicians, state and municipal candidates entirely.