Note on Day 20 Transcripts
Please note that the transcripts for Day 20 of the Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council are not yet available to the public. We will publish a detailed summary of Day 20 once the transcripts are released and accessible. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing investigation.
Jason Breton’s Testimony: Background and 2021 Election Candidacy
Mr Jason Breton, sworn in for the session, introduced himself as the current CEO of Liverpool City Council. The inquiry focused initially on his involvement in the 2021 council elections, where he stood as a councillor on an independent ticket. Ms McDonald presented documents, including an article from The Daily Telegraph listing Mr Breton as an independent candidate for the South Ward, highlighting his background as a former detective chief inspector and his work on major transport and infrastructure projects. He was described as a “born and bred Liverpool local” and emphasized being “truly independent.”
Further documentation from the New South Wales Electoral Commission confirmed his candidacy alongside others on an unnamed group ticket, including Lorenzo Luciano, Michael Harte, Fiona Harte, and Toni Cancellara. Mr Breton clarified that Michael and Fiona Harte are likely husband and wife and related to current Councillor Matthew Harte. He admitted to not knowing or meeting any of the candidates named on his team including Mr Lorenzo Luciano personally, despite his inclusion on the ticket.
Formation of the Independent Ticket and Connection to Ned Mannoun
A key point of Mr Breton’s testimony was how his election ticket came together. He explained that he initially considered running independently “under the line” but was advised by Matthew Harte that this was impractical due to the large number of candidates in local elections. Matthew Harte, whom Mr Breton met while Harte was working as Ned Mannoun’s campaign manager for the 2021 election (circa 2018 or 2019), encouraged him to run “above the line” and facilitated the formation of the ticket by providing four additional names. Mr Breton agreed to this arrangement, expecting an unsuccessful candidacy but appreciating the support.
Mr Breton detailed his initial connection to Mayor Ned Mannoun, facilitated by a mutual acquaintance, Arvind Lal, a fellow soccer coach in the NPL.
According to Mr Lal’s linkedin profile, he also worked at Liverpool City Council until 2013 and while not confirmed still currently consults potentially to Liverpool City Council and has worked with Tim Paisley who has previously provided evidence to the Inquiry.
Lal arranged a coffee meeting with Mannoun at the riverside development in Liverpool. At the time, Mr Breton was out of work and volunteered to assist Mannoun’s campaign by creating a linear map and plotting election milestones in the campaign office, leveraging his expertise in project controls and scheduling from his work with Downer and Metro Trains. This marked the beginning of his involvement with Mannoun’s political efforts, though the transcript cuts off before further details are explored.
Broader Implications
Mr Breton’s testimony sheds light on the intricate web of personal and professional relationships within Liverpool City Council’s political sphere. His connection to Mayor Mannoun through campaign involvement and the assistance of Matthew Harte in forming an election ticket raises questions about the independence of his candidacy and potential influences on his current role as CEO. The inquiry’s focus on these ties suggests an interest in understanding how political alignments and past collaborations impact governance and decision-making processes at the council.
The hearing adjourned with further examination expected in upcoming sessions, as the inquiry continues to explore the dynamics of leadership, electoral processes, and operational integrity within Liverpool City Council. Mr Breton’s evidence provides a unique perspective on the intersection of personal networks and public office, prompting broader considerations of transparency and impartiality in local government.
