Council to restore public confidence

Minister has 'no hesitation' in sacking Hurstville Mayor

702 ABC Sydney

By Matthew Bevan

21 May 2015,

The NSW Minister for Local Government says he is prepared to sack the Mayor of Hurstville in Sydney's south, or the entire Council, if he deems it necessary to restore public trust.

The Mayor of Hurstville Con Hindi held onto his position in a heated council meeting last night, which saw the suspension of the general manager.

Cr Hindi had been facing pressure since Saturday over his dealings with a neighbour and management of a property at Mortdale in Sydney's south.

Hurstville Council met over the controversy on Wednesday night, after earlier fining the Mayor $4,000 over breaches at the site and recommending him for prosecution over the issues.

Cr Hindi was also referred to WorkCover.

The Mayor also allegedly used his official title to sign off menacing emails responding to a complaint from a neighbour about ground subsidence related to the Mortdale property redevelopment.

Cr Hindi defended the emails, saying the signature was automatically added in error.

The neighbour, who was a recent immigrant to Australia from Malaysia, told Fairfax Media he was concerned about the consequences of upsetting the Mayor.

Mayor's casting vote used to suspend general manager

Last night's meeting was described as "an extraordinary night, but also very troubling" by Labor councillor Justin Mining.

A large crowd gathered in the public gallery to see the proceedings, but were asked to leave the chamber after a surprise motion from the Mayor.

"At that point the Mayor and his allies moved a motion to suspend the general manager from his position," Cr Mining told Linda Mottram on 702 ABC Sydney.

The vote was split and the Mayor used his casting vote to approve the motion.

We will get the facts, and if I have to use those powers, I can tell you right now, I will have no hesitation in doing so.

Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole

Cr Mining said Cr Hindi used his vote to suspend the general manager who signed off on an independent report prepared by council staff into the unauthorised excavation and cleanup of asbestos which Cr Hindi was responsible for.

"What kind of message is this sending to the community, when a general manager responsible for signing a report into the Mayor's actions, now faces suspension and possible further action as a result of a motion behind closed doors on the very night that motion was to be considered," he said.

"There are some serious issues the Minister needs to look into."

The meeting was not split along party lines, with councillors from both Labor and Liberal voting to support the Mayor.

Minister concerned Council has lost public confidence

The Minister for Local Government Paul Toole told 702 ABC Sydney he was prepared to sack the Mayor or the council if necessary.

"I'll take the measures needed to restore public confidence," Mr Toole said.

"Obviously I'll wait and see what that report [from the Office of Local Government] says, but this Government introduced early intervention powers to be able to take action against councils and individuals."

"We will get the facts, and if I have to use those powers, I can tell you right now, I will have no hesitation in doing so."

Mr Toole said he was concerned the events of last night's council meeting would lead to a loss of confidence.

"I'm concerned about whether [the council] has lost public confidence, and whether or not they're able serve their community with the interests of the community at heart," he said.

Shadow minister for local government Peter Primrose was more forceful in his comments on Tuesday.

"Mr Hindi's position as Mayor is completely untenable," he said.

"This Liberal Mayor must stand aside immediately,

"Until this mess is sorted out, it is unacceptable for Mr Hindi to remain in his position as Mayor."