9 March 2025
After months of anxious waiting, Liverpool residents and ratepayers finally have a date for the much-anticipated public inquiry into their Council. In an update posted to the Office of Local Government’s website this week, Commissioner Ross Glover confirmed public hearings will commence this June, bringing relief to a community now desperate for answers. The announcement marks a crucial turning point for one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions, where allegations of mismanagement and governance failures have cast a long shadow over Council operations.
The confirmation of June hearings, eagerly awaited since the inquiry was first announced last year, has sparked renewed calls from community groups demanding live streaming of all proceedings. Local campaigner Michael Andjelkovic, representing a group of concerned ratepayers, stated, “Every resident deserves to see exactly what’s been happening behind closed doors. We’re tired of the whispers and rumours – it’s time for the truth. Ratepayers contribute millions annually to Council coffers, and we have a right to know how every dollar is being spent.”
The public inquiry, established under section 438U of the Local Government Act 1993, will investigate multiple areas of concern, including:
- Allocation and management of ratepayer funds
- Financial planning and public land management
- Workplace culture and staff treatment
- Decision-making processes of the Mayor and councillors
- Community confidence in Council leadership
Local business owners have expressed frustration with the Council’s track record: “For years, we’ve watched development decisions that didn’t make sense, heard about internal conflicts, and seen some really good staff leave. As major contributors to Council’s revenue, we demand accountability. This inquiry needs to air all the dirty laundry – no more secrets.”
A former Council employee (who requested her name be withheld) revealed, “The culture inside Council has been toxic for years. Many of us have been waiting for this moment – the chance to speak freely about what we’ve witnessed, including how ratepayer resources were managed.”
While the Commission has yet to confirm whether hearings will be live-streamed, community advocates are considering a petition this week demanding full digital access to proceedings. A local resident, who pays over $2,000 in annual rates, said, “In 2025, there’s no excuse for not live streaming the public hearings. If Council has nothing to hide about how they’re spending our money, they should welcome the transparency.”
The inquiry’s broad terms of reference suggest no stone will be left unturned, with Commissioner Glover empowered to investigate “any other matter that warrants mention.” This sweeping mandate has led to speculation about potential revelations that could reshape Liverpool’s local government landscape.
As June approaches, Council faces increasing pressure to publicly support live streaming of the hearings. The Mayor and councillors have remained notably quiet on the issue, leading to further community speculation about their commitment to transparency and proper management of public funds.
The inquiry’s findings could have far-reaching implications for Liverpool’s future governance, with the Commissioner able to make recommendations directly to the Minister for Local Government regarding financial oversight and accountability measures.
Community members can still engage with the inquiry process through:
- Email: LiverpoolCCInquiry@holdingredlich.com
- Post: Solicitors Assisting the Public Inquiry, Level 65, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
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