NSW Government indicates it may sack Auburn council

THERE was an emergency meeting of Salim Mehajer’s council last night. The ever controversial deputy mayor was nowhere to be seen.

FLAMBOYANT Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer failed to show up to crisis talks last night following the NSW Government’s statement that it had “serious concerns” about the governance of the western Sydney council and warned its councillors they could face a public inquiry.

Seven of Auburn’s 10 councillors bunkered down in the suburb’s civic centre yesterday evening just hours after the minister for local government Paul Toole gave the local authority, led by Mayor Le Lam, 14 days to put forward a case as to why it shouldn’t be suspended.

But Mr Mehajer, along with another two councillors — understood to be Labor’s George Campbell and Liberal Ned Attie — were nowhere to be seen.

NO WARNING

If the Government does decide to take over the day-to-day running of Auburn it’s likely all the councillors, including Mr Mehajer, will face the axe.

“Mr Mehajer was coming but decided not to because he didn’t want to join the unwelcome media attention to the council,” Councillor Irene Simms told AAP.

She said those councillors that did attend unanimously agreed the council should remain in place while the investigation is conducted. “Everyone seemed concerned ... we didn’t even know this inquiry was coming, we had no warning.”

Ms Simms, who has frequently clashed with Mr Mehajer, said she hoped the inquiry would come up with definitive answers.

“I just hope there’s no more questions to be asked and we can get on with doing our jobs,” she said.

Talking to news.com.au this morning, Mr Mehajer said “three hours notice” was not enough time for him to be able to attend the meeting.

“However, my input to all councillors and staff was still put in place prior to the meeting which was well received,” he said.

INAPPROPRIATE

The Government says a public inquiry will investigate allegations that a number of councillors misused their position to benefit themselves or their relatives.

“I have serious concerns about Auburn City Council’s perceived decision-making in relation to planning and development matters and the appearance that those decisions may have delivered an inappropriate benefit to some councillors,” Mr Toole said yesterday.

“It is vital that wherever these perceptions exist they are looked into, in order to protect the public’s faith in our system of local government.”

NSW Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, announced possible investigations into Auburn and North Sydney councils today.

Richard Beasley SC has been appointed as commissioner to conduct the inquiry and councillors will remain in their positions during the 14-day period.

Mr Mehajer, a local property developer, shot to national attention following his ostentatious wedding in the area last year which shut down a street and involved helicopters and fast cars.

He said he welcomed the probe into the council. “I am pleased to see that a public inquiry is currently underway.

“This will give the opportunity for council to simply justify the ‘negative press’ that it has been experiencing over the past few months,” he said.

“It is a great idea to have the inquiry undertaken, as any ‘wrong doings’ by a particular councillor or member of the council staff should be sacked immediately as the council and greater community should not suffer due to a consequence of other members’ poorly guided actions.”

GOOD WORK

Mayor Lam said the could would “co-operate fully” with the Government and residents should Council services would not be affected.

Despite the dark cloud hovering over Auburn, Ms Lam said the council had done “good work” for the local community.

“Auburn City Council is an effective organisation which provides the community with great services and programs. Council has been publicly recognised on numerous occasions for its significant achievements and innovative projects.”

Ms Simms said she was looking forward to any future inquiry. However, she said the likely sacking highlighted major issues with the governance of local councils.

HELL OR HIGH WATER

“One is the major parties need to be more discerning with who they allow to run as a lot of people will vote Labor, Liberal or Greens come hell or high water.

“Secondly, this highlights the public perception that its not appropriate for estate agents and developers to be on council and [Premier] Baird needs to come on board with that, even if it means losing people who he likes.”

Labor councillor George Campbell, who is currently on holiday, said the inquiry was “long overdue” and welcomed the minster’s announcement..

“I strongly commend and endorse the minister’s action as the status quo is clearly untenable. However, I would urge the minister to allow those councillors who are not under suspicion to continue to serve the community to the fullest extent possible.”

Auburn council and Ms Lam have been contacted for comment.

Councillor Le Lam is the current mayor of Auburn Council.

Last week, Labor councillor George Campbell again called on Mr Mehajer to stand aside.

“He has been requested to do so by the minister for local government and his refusal to do so demonstrates a lack of respect.

MISERY

NSW Opposition Leader and Auburn MP Luke Foley said Auburn Council should be “put out of its misery”, reported the Daily Telegraph.

Auburn council was due to hold its next council meeting on February 17, almost a month away, meaning it’s possible the current council may never sit again.

The council was facing an uncertain future anyway with the Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ reforms recommending the local government area be abolished and split between Parramatta and Holroyd councils.

North Sydney council will also face a public inquiry following allegations of conflict and dysfunction. Mr Toole said councillors have repeatedly failed to address the poor relationship between them leading to poor performance issues.

The dysfunction has cost ratepayers almost $250,000 over the past two years, he said.

News.com.au has contacted Auburn Council, mayor Lam and deputy mayor Mehajer for comment.