The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched a public inquiry into corruption allegations against City of Canada Bay Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas.
The Commission is investigating an allegation that, since 2012, Councillor Tsirekas (pictured) has partially exercised his official functions to favour the interests of Billbergia Pty Ltd, Prolet Pty Ltd and Joseph Chidiac, in relation to planning matters affecting those companies and deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationships with representatives of Billbergia Pty Ltd, Prolet Pty Ltd and Mr Chidiac, ICAC said in a statement.
“It is also alleged that, since 2015, Councillor Tsirekas has partially exercised his official functions to favour the interests of Frank Bruzzano in relation to the development application for 168-172 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, and deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationship with Mr Bruzzano.”
“It is also alleged that, since 2015, Councillor Tsirekas sought, and/or accepted benefits, as an inducement or reward for partially and dishonestly exercising his official functions to favour the interests of I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac, in relation to planning matters affecting 1-9 Marquet Street and 4 Mary Street, Rhodes.”
Councillor Tsirekas is also alleged to have deliberately failed to declare or properly manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationships with representatives of I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac.
According to ICAC’s Operation Tolosa investigation, since 2015, I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac have allegedly provided benefits, including overseas flights and accommodation, to Councillor Tsirekas, as a reward or inducement to favour their interests in relation to Council decisions regarding planning matters affecting 1-9 Marquet Street and 4 Mary Street, Rhodes.
“Further, since 2011, Councillor Tsirekas is alleged to have partially and dishonestly exercised his official functions and failed to disclose the nature of his relationship with Francesco Colacicco, in relation to the sale of Council property at 231 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, and development applications/planning proposals associated with Mr Colacicco, in return for a financial benefit.”
ICAC said the general scope and purpose of the public inquiry is to gather evidence relevant to the matters being investigated for the purpose of determining the matters referred to in section 13(2) of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988.
City of Canada Bay Council made a brief statement about the public hearing announcement on its website.
“Council is aware that the Independent Commission Against Corruption has announced that it is holding a public inquiry, commencing on Tuesday 26th April 2022, with this inquiry being part of an investigation concerning the Mayor of the City of Canada Bay,” it said.
“We are not able to make a comment on this inquiry at this time.”
The public hearing, which will be streamed via the Commission’s website and is expected to last four weeks, will begin on Tuesday 26 April.
