MURRAY Shire Council in the southern Riverina is being investigated over complaints about staff behaviour.
A public investigation has been established following “many” complaints to the Office of Local Government, according to Local Government Minister Paul Toole.
Council had failed to address an alleged poor relationship between a number of councillors, and between some councillors and the general manager, Mr Toole said.
He said many complaints were made to the Office of Local Government since 2014, particularly in the past year.
“Enquiries undertaken by OLG in September 2014 revealed behavioural and relationship issues, which prompted the office to require that the mayor and councillors undertake a mediation process,” Mr Toole said.
“However, that mediation process did not successfully resolve the issue.
“Since that time the relationship between a number of councillors and the general manager has deteriorated and work health and safety issues have arisen, requiring the involvement of SafeWork NSW.”
A commissioner, Anthony Hudson, has been appointed to establish the inquiry. Mr Toole said Mr Hudson was a a solicitor with extensive experience in local government legislation.
Murray Shire’s general manager and councillors will remain in their positions during the inquiry.
The inquiry will not impact the Council in relation to the merger proposals being considered under the state government’s local government reforms.
