Labor MPs across the Central Coast have denounced the State Government for delaying debate on an e-petition signed by more than 20,000 residents calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial collapse.
The debate is slated for May 6, well after Council Administrator, Dick Persson, will deliver his final report to Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock.
Hancock is expected to make a decision at the end of April on whether to return councillors or launch an inquiry into the financial disaster.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said attempts by her, Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, and Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, to have the issue debated sooner were refused.
Tesch said it was a “disgrace” that more than 20,000 signatures had been ignored.
“We know our community want to move forward and be able to trust our Council – we will fight to make sure Coasties are heard,” she said.
Catley said Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, should have stood up to the Government to ensure the issue was debated.
“He is the Government’s Whip,” she said.
“He could push for extra time for Parliament to consider these issues.”
Harris said the community expects transparency and the truth.
Without commenting on why debate was not scheduled sooner, Crouch said he “looked forward” to speaking about the petition.
“What we are witnessing is the biggest financial catastrophe of any council in Australian history,” he said.
“I have been calling out the poor decision making and bad behaviour of councillors for years, both in our local media, and on the floor of Parliament.
“Labor MPs have been silent on this topic for the last three years.
“Our community wants to ensure that those responsible for this appalling financial situation are held to account, and to ensure that those responsible never run for public office again.
“It’s also clear that further investigations are required into the Council’s financial situation, and that’s what I’m advocating for.”
Terry Collins
Why doesn’t the community stick together for our rights for once!
Imagine what they’ll get away with next.