Premier has not ruled out Council inquiry, says Crouch
Premier Ms Gladys Berejiklian has not ruled out an inquiry into Central Coast Council, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Mr Adam Crouch.
Responding to what he called "lies" being spread on social media, Mr Crouch said: "The Premier never said that she doesn't support an inquiry into the Council.
"The Premier ded say that the NSW Government will make a decision at the conclusion of the Administrator's term."
Mr Crouch did not identify which social media posts he was responding to.
However, the NSW Central Coast Incident Alerts, News and Information group reported in a social media post on February 26 that "the Premier also clearly stated on her visit that her government ... does not support any inquiry into the former Central Coast Council".
Mr Crouch said he supported the petition which called for a judicial inquiry.
"The Local Government Act does not provide an option for a judicial inquiry, but does allow for a public inquiry.
"The Administrator's term concludes on 29 April.
"The Local Government Minister will then choose to reinstate the councillors, or commence a public inquiry," Mr Crouch said.
"The Local Government Minister and I do not support the proposed rate rise.
"As a ratepayer myself, I am furious that our community might be forced to pay for the mistakes and failures of a group of councillors and senior council staff.
"I believe that those responsible for the Council's financial situation must be held to account.
"We need to make sure that this appalling financial situation can never be repeated."
Mr Crouch denied that the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong into the one council was the cause of the financial situation.
SOURCE:
Social media, 27 Feb 2021
Adam Crouch, Member for Terrigal