Arabic version: خلافات مجالس نيو ساوث ويلز تخضع لتدقيق تقديرات الموازنة

According to ABC News, NSW budget estimates examined a series of council disputes and decisions, ranging from a vehicle firebombing and councillor threats to the cost of conducting a mayoral vote. Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig responded to questions with concern and said he would provide further responses after taking several matters on notice.

At Waverley Council, Greens MLC Amanda Cohn asked Mr Hoenig about a resolution to spend almost $5,000 on a private contractor to oversee the election of the mayor and deputy mayor. The positions are decided by 12 councillors. Mr Hoenig said he had never heard of such an arrangement in more than 40 years and called it unusual. Waverley Council said an independent, qualified external returning officer would ensure the election was conducted independently, transparently and in accordance with legislative requirements.

The hearing also considered the firebombing of a vehicle belonging to the husband of Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed, as well as council-funded private security provided to the mayor. Mr Hoenig said security arrangements were generally for councils, but said the Office of Local Government could investigate if there was a complaint about an improper allocation of expenditure. An unnamed councillor was also discussed after being charged with threatening to kill a colleague; the proceedings were later dismissed under mental health provisions.

Questions were raised over apprehended violence orders between councillors, including a regional council case in which costs were said to be closing in on $1 million. Hawkesbury City Council was scrutinised over controversies involving local media and a prosecution of a councillor over technology expenses of about $4,000. Mr Hoenig called an attempt to ban journalists from council premises “bizarre” and warned that rarely used financial surcharge powers could be revived. Cumberland and Hawkesbury Councils were contacted for comment.