Conduct committee was impartial, says Council

A Gosford Council Conduct Committee which oversaw a conflict of interest matter involving a Woy Woy resident was "impartial during the investigation", according to council's acting general manager Mr Nic Pasternatsky.

Woy Woy Bay resident Ms Margaret Lund had claimed that Cr Trevor Drake had breached council's code of conduct by being present in council chambers during discussions involving a business he had represented as a solicitor.

In a letter to Peninsula News, Mr Pasternatsky referred to the article "Conflict panel was 'conflicted', says resident" published in Peninsula News on Monday, December 10.

"The establishment of Gosford Council's conduct committee is prescribed under section 440 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993 and the model code of conduct for local councils in NSW, with such committees to include the mayor, general manager and an independent representative," Mr Pasternatsky stated.

"The guidelines for conduct committee's recommend a legal representative be considered for the position of an independent member.

"The investigation was conducted in accordance with the prescribed legislation and I can assure you that all committee members were impartial during the investigation.

"A recommendation was made from the conduct committee to council who made the final decision on this matter."

Mr Pasternatsky said that the NSW State Government was considering changes to the model code of conduct and the establishment of Conduct Committees.

Letter, 21 Dec 2007 Nic Pasternatsky, Gosford Council