Public Notices 19/12/2023

On 18 December 2023, Georges River Council publicly tabled the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) report on the ‘Investigation into the conduct of three former councillors of Former Hurstville City Council, now part of Georges River Council, and others’, known as Operation Galley. 

Georges River Council would like to thank the ICAC for the work that it has undertaken during Operation Galley and to acknowledge the contribution of its appointed officials who assisted the Commission in its work by providing interviews and sworn evidence to assist Council meet its statutory obligations. Council acknowledges that these appointed officials at all times complied with their professional duties and upheld the highest ethical standards.

Georges River Council would like to apologise to the community for the conduct of three former Councillors that are the subject of findings in the ICAC Report. The conduct of these former Councillors does not reflect the important work Council undertakes every day for the community.

The ICAC made eleven (11) corruption prevention recommendations to the Department of Planning and Environment. These proposals include the amendment of the Model Code of Conduct to restrict council officials from accepting any form of benefits from property developers, and to enhance transparency in council decision-making processes.

Georges River Council is committed to govern with robust measures in place to prevent the recurrence of such misconduct by any Council official and supports the corruption prevention recommendations contained in the report. 

Whilst these recommendations are directed to the NSW Government’s Department of Planning and Environment, Georges River Council commits to implementing the recommendations that it can, ahead of any direction being made by the NSW Government. Georges River Council has approved the proactive implementation of seven (7) of the recommendations contained within the ICAC Report.