Liverpool City Council has welcomed the report of the NSW Office of Local Government’s Public Inquiry into its operations, which has found no evidence of widespread of systemic failures within the organisation.
The public hearings of the multi-million dollar Inquiry, which was overseen by Commissioner Ross Glover, concluded in December last year. Across 52 hearing days, 23 witnesses gave evidence and close to 700 exhibits were submitted, generating 5,000 pages of transcript.
In a statement following the release of Commissioner Glover’s final 518-page report, Liverpool Mayor, Ned Mannoun, expressed the Council’s appreciation for the detailed examination of the Council’s governance and operations.
“This is an important finding, particularly given the criticism and controversy surrounding the establishment of the Inquiry in July 2024. We welcome this news today, and will have more to say about this tomorrow,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“The Commissioner has undertaken a thorough examination of Council and provided a constructive framework for strengthening our governance and administration. We are grateful for his work and for his recognition of improvements already made during the course of the Inquiry.”
The Inquiry examined Council’s handling of property purchases, finances and more than $150 million in infrastructure grants from the NSW Government.
The Commissioner recommended improvements to recruitment, procurement, project cost estimation, record keeping, workplace policies and financial reporting.
“Where the report identifies areas requiring improvement, Council is committed to addressing them. Our focus is on ensuring the organisation continues to improve the way it serves the people of Liverpool,” said Mayor Mannoun.
Mayor Mannoun said Council would now carefully consider the recommendations and continue embedding sound administrative and governance practices across the organisation.
“The report provides an opportunity to consolidate the work already undertaken, address any remaining gaps and maintain public confidence.
“Our responsibility is to deliver quality services, facilities and infrastructure for our community. Strong governance and sound administration are essential to achieving that.
““There have been two years of accusations against the council, followed by 52 days of hearings, and the Commissioner has been crystal clear in his findings.
“Liverpool Council is committed to continuous improvement and is constantly working on ways to do things better for the community,” Mayor Mannoun said.
The Inquiry was ordered by the NSW Government in July 2024, after an interim report provided to the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, detailed serious concerns about widespread dysfunction and maladministration.
At the time, the Minister also wrote to Mayor Mannoun advising of his intention to suspend the Council and postpone the Council’s elections while the inquiry was being conducted.
The report is expected to be made available on the OLG website inquiry page.
