NSW code of conduct gripes cost $4m

The NSW Local Government Minister has slammed complainers and called councils’ code of conduct mechanism a ‘shambles’ as ratepayers copped a $4m hit over the past three years.

NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The NSW Local Government Minister has slammed complainers and called councils’ code of conduct mechanism a “shambles” as ratepayers copped a $4m hit in the past three years.

Minister Ron Hoenig told The Australian the Local Government Office had received more than 4000 code of conduct complaints in the past three years, costing NSW residents more than $4m.

“The code of conduct mechanism for local government is a shambles,” Mr Hoenig said.

It comes as The Australian can reveal southwest Sydney-based Canterbury-Bankstown Council has spent almost $70,000 this year alone on investigating, censuring and filing code of conduct complaints against just one councillor.

The $4m cost to the ratepayer would include fees to external consultants and investigators, and legal costs, among others. Anyone can make a code of conduct complaint against a councillor or staff member, provided it centres on a conduct breach rather than, for example, service delivery or a council policy.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council chambers in southwest Sydney. Picture: AAP

“Investigations are taking years to process and putting increased strain on already stretched public service resources,” said Mr Hoenig, who also revealed he had instructed department staff to overhaul the system to be more frugal with ratepayers’ money.

“The whole system is broken, so I am working with the department for a complete overhaul, to help restore the public’s faith in local government.

“My message to all councils is to get on with the job your communities expect of you. Your priority should always be to your residents, and delivering the infrastructure and services your communities need.”

Councillor Barbara Coorey. Picture: AAP

Through a Government Information Public Access request, The Australian can reveal Canterbury-Bankstown Council has paid $68,600 since April 30 to external investigator Centium to investigate three code of conduct complaints against councillor Barbara Coorey.

Complaints include an alleged argument with general manager Matthew Stewart, but also for Facebook posts, since amended, allegedly calling council “kooky” and “dysfunctional”, and for allegedly telling a council staff member to keep a Greek flag raised permanently after an Independence Day celebration in Earlwood, one of Sydney’s most Greek-heavy suburbs.

A Canterbury-Bankstown Council spokeswoman said it took complaints “very seriously” and each was “thoroughly assessed”. “It’s not about the cost but about maintaining integrity and ensuring the community’s expectations of good governance are being upheld,” she said.

“Our community expects nothing less, and their values will not tolerate abusive behaviour whether it is staff, or councillors.”

Independent Hunters Hill councillor Ross Williams. Picture: AAP

It follows Hawkesbury Council, in northwest Sydney, allegedly spending $48,000 earlier this year on a code of conduct complaint against councillor Eddie Dogramaci, who allegedly attached his council business card to electioneering material and made disparaging comments about council, according to local media coverage.

Canada Bay Labor councillor Andrew Ferguson welcomed a review into the system to reduce costs and focus on ratepayer “priorities”.

“... Councils need to focus on core business and not vexatious claims and sometimes endless infighting,” he said.

Hunters Hill independent councillor Ross Williams said, although the system “rightly comes down hard” on those who overstepped the line, it “constrained” the role of elected representatives.

“... It also allows for an ever growing misuse of the system, which costs councils and ratepayers money that could be used to improve outcomes for our communities,” Mr Williams, speaking in his personal capacity as a councillor, said.

“To have the most minor complaint investigated costs tens of thousands of dollars for an independent assessment of the case, let alone the personal costs and time of councillors and staff.

“With the local government elections coming up next year it could give rise to potentially politically motivated complaints.”