Sydney council that triggered corruption probe rejects transparency plan
The Hills Shire Council in Sydney has rejected a proposal to increase transparency regarding meetings with lobbyists and property developers. The decision comes despite an ongoing anti-corruption inquiry into the council's past conduct.
Why it matters
The refusal to implement transparency measures highlights ongoing tensions between local government accountability and the influence of private developers.
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Share A A A A north-western Sydney council that triggered an anti-corruption inquiry has dumped a proposal to increase transparency regarding secret and closed-door meetings, saying it was neither practical nor necessary to document every interaction with lobbyists or property developers.
The motion from Labor and Greens councillors in the Liberal-majority Hills Shire Council called for clear rules for councillors and executive leadership interacting with lobbyists and external influential figures. It also proposed an open diary policy, and the creation of an online lobbying register to ensure all meetings were disclosed.
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