The NSW Government has sacked the entire Wingecarribee Shire Council. 

A public inquiry into the council earlier this year looked at whether its councillors understood their roles or interfered in operational matters.

“The commissioner has concluded in his report that the elected body did not adequately, reasonably and appropriately discharge its roles and responsibilities, at all times, during the 2016 term of council,” Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman said this week. 

“The commissioner also concluded that on balance, it was doubtful that the elected body would remain free of dysfunction.”

Commissioner Ross Glover found repeated instances of inappropriate behaviours by some councillors during meetings, briefings and in other interactions with staff.

“The failure of the other councillors to effectively respond to those instances of behaviour contributed to the creation of a permissive environment ... which in turn contributed to the dysfunction,” he said.

The inquiry found that the dysfunction within the governing body had a negative impact on the organisation and its staff. 

So, the council’s eight councillors (all men) have been discharged and an administrator appointed until the next State-wide Local Government elections in September 2024.

“Wingecarribee residents deserve confidence their council is operating in their best interests, and by taking this action, we will ensure certainty and stability for both residents and council staff,” Ms Tuckerman said. 

Mr Viv May, who has been Interim Administrator of the Council, has been asked to continue in that role until a new election is held.

Ms Tuckerman said she would consider the remaining eight recommendations made by the Commissioner in due course.

She said legislative change could be required to address some of the issues raised.

A copy of the report is available here.