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Mayors

Liverpool City Council Under Spotlight Amid Allegations of Dysfunction and Maladministration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun's council is being examined by the NSW Office of Local Government's inquiry, which is investigating allegations of serious dysfunction and maladministration. The inquiry is also looking into the council's handling of finances, property purchases, staff employment, and over $150 million in state government grants for infrastructure projects. The council's elected officials are at the center of the controversy, with a troubled relationship between Mayor Mannoun and Councillor Peter Ristevski hampering the council's operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NSW Office of Local Government's inquiry is examining the Liverpool City Council's conduct, including its handling of finances, property purchases, staff employment, and over $150 million in state government grants.
  • The inquiry will consider the "long history of antagonism" between Mayor Ned Mannoun and Councillor Peter Ristevski, which has been causing tension in the council's operations.
  • The pair's troubled relationship has led to allegations of verbal abuse, with one incident involving Ristevski goading the mayor and standing on his foot at a meeting in February.
  • Council staff have received over 100 complaints about councillors' conduct since September, with over 67 complaints sent to staff in March alone.
  • The inquiry will also examine the council's appointment of 11 chief executive officers since 2010, with six of those being permanent roles.
  • The council's acquisition and sale of several properties, including a $32.7 million purchase of a former bus depot site in 2022, will be scrutinized as part of the inquiry.
  • The council's handling of six government grants under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, worth over $150 million, will also be examined.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 complaints about councillors' conduct have been sent to council staff since September.
  • Over 67 complaints were submitted to staff in March alone.
  • The council has appointed 11 chief executive officers since 2010, with six of those being permanent roles.
  • The council has purchased a former bus depot site for $32.7 million in 2022.
  • The council has received over $150 million in state government grants for infrastructure projects.

Sources:

  • NSW Office of Local Government's inquiry into Liverpool City Council
  • Report by Counsel Assisting the Inquiry Trish McDonald, SC
  • Statement by Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig
  • Investigation into Liverpool City Council's conduct and operations by the NSW Office of Local Government
  • Report on the council's handling of finances, property purchases, staff employment, and state government grants by the NSW Office of Local Government.

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