On 26 April 2021, the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, announced a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry were:
To inquire and report to the Minister for Local Government with respect to whether:

1. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23, 23A and 24 of the LG Act, the governing body met its obligations in a manner consistent with sections 8A(1)(b), 8B(a), 8B(c) and 8B(d) of the LG Act, particularly in relation to:
   1. Whether the governing body acted in a manner that maximised the success of gaining efficiencies and financial savings from the merger process,
   2. Whether the governing body disregarded the financial consequences of its decisions, and
   3. Whether the governing body’s decisions since 2017 contributed to the financial position which the Council now finds itself in.
2. In exercising its functions pursuant to section 223 of the LG Act, the governing body ensured:
   1. As far as possible, that decisions taken by it had regard to the financial sustainability of the council, and
   2. That it kept under review the performance of the council, including that council spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses.
3. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council’s functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.

The Commissioner may make recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry, including whether all civic offices at Central Coast Council should be declared vacant.

The then Minister for Local Government approved the appointment of Roslyn McCulloch as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

On March 16 2022, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP, tabled Commissioner McCulloch’s report in the NSW Parliament. A copy of the Commissioner’s report is available here:

• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Final Report – PDF

• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 19 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 18 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 15 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 13 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 12 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 11 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 8 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 7 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 6 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 5 October 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 28 September 2021
• Central Coast Council Public Inquiry – Public Hearings – Transcript 27 September 2021

On 24 January 2019, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP announced a formal Public Inquiry into Balranald Shire Council.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry were:

To inquire and report to the Minister for Local Government with respect to whether:

1. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the governing body is meeting its obligations to provide strong and effective leadership in a manner consistent with the guiding principles set out in sections 8A, 8B and 8C of the LG Act, including whether its leadership with respect to Council’s management of its responsibilities relating to long term financial planning, public land management and provision of services is appropriate;
2. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the LG Act Council is meeting its obligations to act as a responsible employer, providing a safe, consultative and supportive working environment for the general manager and other staff in a manner consistent with the guiding principles set out in section 8A(1)(i) of the LG Act and any other statutory requirements considered relevant;
3. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23 and 24 and Part 2, Divisions 2 and 3 of Chapter 9 of the LG Act, the governing body’s Mayor and councillors’ conduct and decision-making both collectively and/or individually demonstrates an understanding of their role under sections 226 and 232 of the LG Act.
4. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the governing body acts in accordance with the guiding principles set out in section 8A of the LG Act including whether the governing body commands the confidence of its community.
5. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the LG Act, Council has complied with its obligations as Reserve Trust Manager under the Crown Lands Act 1989 of the Balranald Caravan Park.
6. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council’s functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.

The Commissioner may make recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry, including whether all civic offices at Balranald Shire Council should be declared vacant.

The Minister for Local Government approved the appointment of Roslyn McCulloch as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

On 29 January 2020, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP tabled Commissioner McCulloch’s report in the NSW Parliament. A copy of the Commissioner’s report is available on the website.

• Balranald Shire Council Public Inquiry Report

On 27 June 2018 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Gabrielle Upton MP announced a formal Public Inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry were:

To inquire and report to the Minister for Local Government with respect to whether:

1. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the Council and its governing body has since 2012 dealt with, and is dealing with, asbestos management issues at the Council in accordance with the guiding principles in section 8A(1)(a), (c) and (2)(c), (e) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(a), (b), (d), (g), (h) and (l) of that Act.
2. In exercising their functions pursuant to Part 2 of Chapter 9 of the LG Act, the mayor and councillors of the Council have since 2012 exercised, and are exercising, a reasonable degree of care and diligence in dealing with asbestos management issues at the Council in accordance with section 439(1) of the Local Government Act 1993.
3. In exercising their functions pursuant to Parts 1 and 2 of Chapter 11 of the LG Act, the Council and its governing body has since 2012 determined to employ and/or engage Mr Mark Mulligan, Mr John Hargreaves and other staff or contractors in accordance with the guiding principles in section 8A(1)(a) and (2)(e) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(j) and (l), as well as section 349 of that Act.
4. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the Council’s process of engaging Clyde & Co and McCullough Robertson lawyers (through McPhee Kelshaw solicitors and conveyancers), including with respect to management of any conflicts of interest, to conduct independent investigations into asbestos related incidents and employment issues, respectively, was in accordance with the guiding principles in sections 8A(1)(b), (h), (2)(e) and 8B and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(c) and (l) of that Act.
5. In exercising functions pursuant to section 24 and Part 3 of Chapter 13 of the LG Act, the Council and its governing body has since 2012 made funding decisions so as to address asbestos management in accordance with the guiding principles in sections 8A(1)(b) and 8B and the role of the governing body in s. 223(1)(c) and (l) of that Act.
6. In exercising functions pursuant to Parts 1 and 2 of Chapter 11 of the LG Act, the Council and its governing body since 2012 has facilitated, and is facilitating, a consultative and supportive working environment in accordance with the guiding principle in section 8A(1)(i) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(i), (j) and (l) of that Act.
7. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the Council has co-operated, and is co-operating, effectively with State government agencies in addressing asbestos management issues in accordance with the guiding principle in section 8A(1)(e) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(l) of that Act.
8. In exercising functions pursuant to Parts 1 and 2 of Chapter 11 and Part 2 of Chapter 13 of the LG Act, the governing body and the senior staff of the Council has determined, reviewed and re-determined an appropriate organisational structure and resource allocation in accordance with the guiding principle in section 8A(1)(c), (2)(c) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(g), (h) and (l) of that Act.
9. In exercising its functions pursuant to sections 23 and 24 of the LG Act, the response of Council and the governing body to the asbestos management issues raised in 2017 has been and is in accordance with the guiding principle in section 8A(1)(a) and the role of the governing body in section 223(1)(b), (g), (h), (k) and (l) of  that Act.

The Inquiry was limited to matters relating to the carrying out of provisions of the LG Act, in recognition that the carrying out of certain other legislative provisions is the subject of separate investigation and/or regulatory action by SafeWork NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

The Minister for Local Government approved the appointment of Richard Beasley SC as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

• Blue Mountains Public Inquiry Final Report – March 2021
• Interim Report TOR 4
• Interim Report on Terms 3, 6 & 8 – 14 January 2020
• Supplemental Interim Report – ToR 4

On 21 January 2016 the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, announced a formal Public Inquiry into Auburn City Council.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry were:

To inquire and report on the following matters relating to Auburn City Council:

1. Whether the Council and its elected representatives have complied with applicable laws, Council’s adopted Code of Conduct, the Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct, relevant planning legislation and Council’s administrative rules and policies and have fulfilled its and their legislative duties, powers and functions;
2. Whether the relationships between councillors are conducted properly to ensure that individuals do not receive favourable treatment from decisions made by the elected Council or by Council staff;
3. Whether the governing body commands the community’s confidence, and will continue to be in a position, to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that Council may fulfill the charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfill its statutory functions; and
4. Any other matters that warrant inquiry, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council’s functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.

The Commissioner may make such recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry.

The then Minister for Local Government approved the appointment of Richard Beasley SC as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

On 9 March 2017, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP tabled Commissioner Beasley’s report in the NSW Parliament. A copy of the Commissioner’s report is available:

• Auburn City Council Public Inquiry – Final Report– PDF

On 15 January 2016 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, announced a formal Public Inquiry into Murray Shire Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

To inquire and report on the following matters relating to Murray Shire Council:

1. Whether the elected representatives and staff have, since the appointment of the current General Manager, complied with applicable laws, codes, administrative procedures and policies and have fulfilled its and their duties, powers and functions particularly in relation to the relationships between councillors, the General Manager and senior and other staff of Council.
2. Whether the Council has, since the appointment of the current General Manager, complied with its work, health and safety obligations as the General Manager’s employer.
3. Whether the elected representatives have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and other relevant Acts, so that Council may fulfil its charter, the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions and obligations;
4. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council’s functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.

The Commissioner may make such recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry.

Mr Anthony Hudson was appointed as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

On 9 March 2017, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP, tabled Commissioner Hudson’s report in the NSW Parliament. A copy of Commissioner’s report is available:

• Murray Shire Council Public Inquiry – Final Report – PDF

On 21 January 2016 the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, announced a formal Public Inquiry into North Sydney Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire and report to the Minister for Local Government on the following matters relating to North Sydney Council:

1. Whether the elected representatives have been, since December 2013, and will continue to be, in a position to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that Council may fulfil its charter, the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions, and
2. Whether, since December 2013, the Council and its elected representatives have complied with applicable laws, Council’s adopted Code of Conduct, the Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct, Council’s Code of Meeting Principles and Practice and Council’s administrative rules and policies and have fulfilled its and their legislative duties, powers and functions particularly with respect to their relationships with each other and with senior and other staff of Council.
3. The Commissioner may make such recommendations as he sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry.

The then Minister approved the appointment of Mr Thomas Howard SC as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry. Mr Howard specialises in the areas of environmental law, urban planning and local government law.

On 9 March 2017, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Gabrielle Upton MP, tabled Commissioner Howard’s report in the NSW Parliament. A copy of Commissioner’s report is available:

• North Sydney Council Public Inquiry – Final Report– PDF

On 19 June 2014 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, announced a public inquiry into Central Darling Shire Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry are:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government as to whether all civic offices at Central Darling Shire Council should be declared vacant.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. Whether the Council has properly carried out its functions of financial management, asset management, legislative compliance and community leadership.
   • In view of the range and complexity of management issues, whether the elected Council has the capacity to resolve the outstanding issues and establish a sound foundation for the future sustainability of the Council.
     • Any other matters that warrant mention, particularly where they may impact on the effective administration of the Council area.

The Commissioner may make such other recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit.”

The Minister has appointed Mr Richard Colley as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry. Mr Colley is currently Chair of the NSW Local Government Grants Commission. Mr Colley has had a successful career in both the private and public sector. Mr Colley conducted the Public Inquiry into Shellharbour City Council in 2008.

Appointed Commissioner: Mr Richard Colley

• Central-Darling-Public-Inquiry-Report

On 3rd April 2008 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Lynch MP, announced a public inquiry into Shellharbour City Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government as to whether all civic offices at Shellharbour City Council should be declared vacant.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. The conduct of the elected representatives of council (whether individually or collectively as the governing body of council) including their relationships with senior and other staff of council.
2. Whether the elected representatives fully understand their roles and responsibilities and have adequately, appropriately and reasonably carried out their roles and responsibilities in the best interests of all ratepayers and residents.
3. Any other matters that warrant mention, particularly when it may impact on the effective administration of the council area.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit”. 

• Shellharbour City Council Public Inquiry (2008) – Final Report

On 24 August 2007, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Lynch MP, announced a second public inquiry into Brewarrina Shire Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations as to whether all civic offices at Brewarrina Shire Council should be declared vacant. The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. The adequacy of Council’s performance since the release of the Public Inquiry report into Brewarrina Shire Council dated 2 December 2005, in particular in addressing the following issues of concern identified in the report:
2. Council’s relationship with the local community and in particular its relationship with the local indigenous community and the Community Working Party
3. The capacity of the elected council to effectively conduct council meetings in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s code of meeting practice and
4. The performance of Council’s administration in establishing and maintaining appropriate systems and policies to deliver efficient and effective governance of the council area and in managing Council’s finances including appropriate control of expenditure and undertaking appropriate revenue raising activities.

Any other matters that warrant mention, particularly when it may impact on the effective administration of the Council area and/or the working relationships between the Council, councillors and its administration. The Commissioner may make such other recommendations as he sees fit.”

Appointed Commissioner: Mr John Davies.

• Brewarrina Shire Council Public Inquiry No 2 – Final Report

On 27 July 2007 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Lynch MP, announced a formal public inquiry into Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government as to whether all civic offices at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council should be declared vacant.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. whether the Council exercised prudent financial and project management regarding the planning and development of the infrastructure project known as “The Glasshouse”
2. whether the Council properly considered what impact the Glasshouse project would have on the ongoing ability of Council to provide adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities to the community
3. whether the Council properly consulted and engaged with its community and exercised appropriate openness and transparency in its decision making for approving and undertaking the Glasshouse infrastructure project
4. any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact on the effective administration of the area and/or the management of and working relationships within the Council.

The Commissioner may make such other recommendations as he sees fit.”

Appointed Commissioner: Mr Frank Willan.

• PMHC Public Inquiry – Final Report

On 21 September 2006 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Kerry Hickey MP, announced a formal public inquiry into Broken Hill City Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government as to whether all civic offices at Broken Hill City Council should be declared vacant.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. The conduct of the elected representatives of council (whether individually or collectively as the governing body of council) including their relationships with senior and other staff of council.
2. Whether the elected representatives fully understand their roles and responsibilities and have adequately, appropriately and reasonably carried out their roles and responsibilities in the best interest of all ratepayers and residents
3. Any other matters that warrant mention, particularly when it may impact on the effective administration of the council area.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit.”

Appointed Commissioner: Hon David Simmons OAM.

• Broken Hill Public Inquiry – Final Report

On 22nd June 2005 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, announced a formal public inquiry into Brewarrina Shire Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government on the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance of Brewarrina Shire Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. Whether the elected representatives fully understand their role and responsibilities and have adequately, appropriately and reasonably carried out their responsibilities in the best interests of all ratepayers and residents.
2. Whether the practices and procedures adopted by the Council in the conduct of its meetings comply with the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (Meetings) Regulation 1999 and the Council’s adopted Code of Meeting Practice, and whether the Council’s adopted Code of Meeting Practice itself complies with the Act and Regulation.
3. Whether the Council’s other policies and codes in relation to its governance adopted under the Local Government Act and Regulations comply with the Local Government Act and Regulations.
4. The appropriateness of the procedures and processes adopted by Council in relation to its environmental planning responsibilities, including their application to the Council’s own projects.
5. The appropriateness and efficacy of the relationship between elected representatives and Council staff, and between council, the community and other Commonwealth and State Government agencies providing funding or services in the council area.
6. Whether there has been adequate annual or longer term planning for the provision of services by Council within its local government area.
7. Whether the elected representatives are in a position to adequately direct and control the affairs of council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that council may fulfil the Charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions.
8. Whether the Council has exercised prudent financial management and control; and
9. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact on the effective administration of the area and/or the working relationships between the council, councillors and its administration.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as he sees fit, including whether all civic offices in relation to the Council should be declared vacant”.

Appointed Commissioner: Mr Ross Woodward.

• Brewarrina Shire Council Public Inquiry Report – 2 December 2005

On 25th February 2004 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, announced a formal public inquiry into Walgett Shire Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and make appropriate recommendations to the Minister for Local Government on the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance of Walgett Shire Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

Whether the elected representatives have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that Council may fulfil the Charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions;
The conduct of elected representatives of Council (whether individually or collectively as the governing body);
Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact on the effective administration of the area and/or the management of and working relationships within the Council.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as he sees fit, including whether all civic offices in relation to the Council should be declared vacant so as to ensure that an appropriate structure can be put in place to provide optimum community leadership.”

Appointed Commissioner: Mr Robert Bulford.

• Walgett Shire Council Public Inquiry – Final Report

On 10th November 2004 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, announced a formal public inquiry into Tweed Shire Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government on the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance of Tweed Shire Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. Whether the elected representatives have adequately, appropriately and reasonably carried out their responsibilities in the best interests of all ratepayers and residents, in an environment free from conflicts of interest.
2. The appropriateness of the procedures and processes adopted by Council in relation to its environmental planning responsibilities, including the processing of applications for development, particularly those of a significant nature.
3. The appropriateness of the relationship between elected representatives and proponents of development in the council area.
4. Whether the elected representatives are in a position to adequately direct and control the affairs of council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that council may fulfil the Charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions.
5. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact on the effective administration of the area and/or the working relationships between the council, councillors and its administration.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as he sees fit, including whether all civic offices in relation to the Council should be declared vacant.” 

Appointed Commissioner: Professor Maurice Daly BA PhD MIMC.

• Tweed Shire Council Public Inquiry First Report
• Tweed Shire Council Public Inquiry Second Report

On 16th January 2004 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, announced a formal public inquiry into Rylstone Shire Council.

The terms of reference of the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government on the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance of Rylstone Shire Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. Whether the elected representatives command the community’s confidence and support as to their capability, and whether the elected representatives have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that council may fulfil the Charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions.
2. Whether the council has exercised prudent financial management.
3. Council’s process of appointment and management of staff and particularly during the 2003 organisational restructure.
4. Any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact on the effective administration of the area and/or the working relationships between the Council, Councillors and its administration.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as they see fit, including whether all civic offices in relation to the Council should be declared vacant so as to ensure that an appropriate structure can be put in place to provide optimum community leadership.”

Appointed Commissioner: Mrs Gabrielle Kibble AO.

• Rylstone Shire Council public inquiry – Final report

On 5th November 2003 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, announced a formal public inquiry into Liverpool City Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and make any appropriate recommendations regarding Liverpool City Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard but is not limited to the following:

1. whether the Council has exercised prudent financial management regarding the development and management of infrastructure projects such as those within the Woodward Park precinct (the “Oasis” project);
2. whether the Council exercised appropriate openness and transparency in its decision making for approving and undertaking major infrastructure projects;
3. whether the Council properly considered what impact major infrastructure projects would have on the ongoing ability of Council to provide services to the community;
4. Council’s process of appointment and management of senior staff; and
5. any other matter that warrants mention, particularly where it may impact upon the effective administration of the area and/or the working relationships between the council, councillors and its administration.

The Commissioner may make such recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit including whether all civic offices in relation to the Council should be declared vacant so as to ensure that an appropriate structure can be put in place to provide optimum community leadership.” 

Appointed Commisssioner: Emeritus Professor Maurice Daly BA PhD MIMC.

• Liverpool City Council Public Inquiry – Final report

On 15 January 2003 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Harry Woods MP, announced a formal public inquiry into Warringah Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were:

“To inquire, report and provide recommendations to the Minister for Local Government on the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance of Warringah Council.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

1. the conduct of elected representatives of Council (whether individually or collectively as the governing body of Council); and
2. whether the elected representatives command the community’s confidence and support as to their capability, and whether the elected representatives have been and will continue to be in a position, to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, so that Council may fulfil the charter, provisions and intent of the Local Government Act 1993 and otherwise fulfil its statutory functions.

The Commissioner may make other recommendations as he sees fit, including whether all civic offices in relation to Council should be declared vacant so as to ensure that an appropriate structure can be put in place to provide optimum community leadership.”

Appointed Commissioner: Emeritus Professor Maurice Daly BA PhD MIMC.

• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 1
• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 2 Section 3
• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 2 Section 4
• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 2 Section 5
• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 2 Section 6
• Warringah Council Public Inquiry Volume 2 Section 7

On 31 August 2021, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, convened a formal Public Inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry are to inquire and report to the Minister with respect to the following matters:

• Whether members of Council’s governing body fully understand their roles and responsibilities and have adequately, reasonably and appropriately carried out their roles and responsibilities during the current term of Council.

• Whether, during the current term of Council, there has been improper interference by the elected body of Council, or by individual councillors, in operational matters, with particular reference to staffing and planning functions.

• Whether members of Council’s governing body have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and to otherwise fulfil its statutory obligations.

• Any other matter that warrants inquiry, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council’s functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.

The Minister appointed Ross Glover as Commissioner to undertake the Inquiry.

The Inquiry report was tabled in the NSW Parliament on 13 July 2022.

Further information will be published on this webpage in due course.

• Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Notice of Public Inquiry and suspension of Councillors – PDF
• Postponement of elections for Wingecarribee Shire Council – PDF
• Call for submissions for the Wingecarribee Shire Public Inquiry – PDF
• Information Paper for the Wingecarribee Shire Public Inquiry – PDF
• Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Notice of Public Hearings – PDF
• Notice of Regarding Resumption of Hearings – PDF
• Practice Direction for Public Hearings – PDF
• Counsel Assisting Closing Submissions dated 9 May 2022 – PDF
• Exhibits
  • Exhibit A – Tender Bundle A – Part 1 – PDF
  • Exhibit A – Tender Bundle A – Part 2 – PDF
  • Exhibit B – Tender Bundle B – Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit D – Bundle of Documents – Induction Materials and other documents
  • Exhibit E – Part 1 – Bundle of Correspondence – PDF
  • Exhibit E – Part 2 – Bundle of Correspondence – PDF
  • Exhibit E – Part 3 – Bundle of Correspondence – PDF
  • Exhibit F – Tender Bundle F – PDF
  • Exhibit G – Powerpoint – Community Meetings – PDF
  • Exhibit H – Documents provided by Jan Wilson – PDF
  • Exhibit I – Bundle of Correspondence from Highlands Matters – PDF
  • Exhibit J – KPMG Report On Roundtable 13 July 2021 – PDF
  • Exhibit K – Extract from Agenda 12 May 2021 – PDF
  • Exhibit L – Submission by Viv May – Administrator – PDF
  • Exhibit M – General Manager’s Roadmap – Moving Forward to Reset Our Organisation – PDF
  • Exhibit N – Article titled “Coomungie Got Us” – PDF
  • Exhibit O – Documents Provided by Administrator – Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit P – Bundle of documents relating to Clr Nelson’s GIPA application (Redacted) – PDF
  • Exhibit Q – Documents formerly comprised in MFI 7 (Redacted) – PDF
  • Exhibit R – Documents produced by Mr Halstead – PDF
  • Exhibit S – Letter to the Editor Southern Highlands News written by Clrs Halstead & Turland – PDF
  • Exhibit U – Bundle of Documents re Station Street Upgrade – PDF
  • Exhibit V – Document headed Postponement of 2021 Local Government Elections – PDF
  • Exhibit W – Email from Viv May dated 8 April 2022 – PDF
  • Exhibit X – Staff Turnover & Vacancies – PDF
  • Exhibit Y – Letter from Ali Dench – Office of Local Government dated 8 April 2022 – PDF
  • Exhibit Z – Community Strategic Plan – PDF
  • Exhibit AA – Summary of development Timeline graphs – PDF
  • Exhibit CC – Video and Audio Files – MP4
  • Exhibit DD – Email from Clr Ian Scandrett dated 14 April 2022 – PDF
  • Exhibit EE – Office of Local Government Promoting Better Practice Report – PDF
  • Exhibit FF – Customer Service Strategy 2016 – 20 – PDF
  • Exhibit HH – Ombudsman Report dated 23 March 2021 – PDF
  • Exhibit II – Bundle of correspondence between any suspended Councillors or former Councillors received from Council from 1 January 20211 until 11 April 202 – Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit JJ – Bundle of correspondence between Clr Gair and the then General Manager regarding Station St – PDF
  • Exhibit KK – Draft Performance Improvement Order – PDF
  • Exhibit LL – Corporate Relations Service Review Final Report September 2021 – PDF
  • Exhibit MM – Email from Duncan Gair dated 27 April 2022_Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit NN – 2017 Wellbeing Survey Report Draft – PDF
  • Exhibit OO – Workplace Wellbeing Survey (FInal Report) 11 June19 (002) – PDF
  • Exhibit PP – Transcript of Interview between Ray Hadley & Clr Scandrett – PDF
  • Exhibit QQ – Interview between Mr Turland and Deborah Knight – PDF
  • Exhibit RR – Administrator’s response to Clr Gair’s email dated 5 May 2022_Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit SS – Clr McLaughlin’s letter – PDF
  • Exhibit TT – Planning Function Interim Report – PDF
  • Exhibit UU – Correspondence from Ms Prendergast and OLG_Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit VV – Attachment to Clr Nelson’s submission in reply – Redacted – PDF
  • Exhibit WW – Attachment to Clr Nelson’s further submission in reply – PDF
  • Exhibit XX – Attachment to Clr Gair’s submission in reply – PDF
  • Exhibit YY – Media Article – Local MPs call for suspension of Council – PDF
  • Exhibit ZZ – Clr Markwart – The Gavel – Audio – MP4
  • Exhibit AAA – Incident statement_Redacted – PDF
• Transcriptions
  • Transcript 28 March 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 29 March 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 30 March 2022 (corrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 31 March 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 1 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 4 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 5 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 6 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 7 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 8 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 11 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 12 April 2022 (corrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 13 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 14 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
  • Transcript 28 April 2022 (uncorrected) – PDF
• Hearings List
  • Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Witness List – Week 1 – PDF
  • Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Witness List – Week 2 – PDF
  • Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Witness List – Week 3 – PDF
• Amended Notice Regarding Submissions – PDF
• Wingecarribee Shire Council Public Inquiry – Commissioner’s Report – PDF