Council to reconsider release of summary report in light of Inquiry
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On Wednesday 27 June 2018 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Gabrielle Upton announced a Public Inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council. The terms of reference for that Inquiry were also released by the Minister.
The Public Inquiry will address issues relating to the Council’s management of asbestos. Amongst other matters, the Inquiry will consider the Council’s action to initiate the independent asbestos investigation conducted by Clyde & Co on the instructions of the Council’s solicitors.
At the ordinary meeting held on 29 May 2018 the Council resolved to release a summary of the outcomes and findings of the Clyde & Co independent investigation. However, the Council will now review that decision in light of the announced Public Inquiry.
The Council must now consider whether it is appropriate for the Council to release the proposed summary document. Although the Council determined to prepare the summary well before the Public Inquiry was announced, the release of the summary could be seen to conflict with the conduct of the Inquiry and the ultimate release of the Commissioner’s findings.
The matter will therefore be reconsidered at the next ordinary meeting of the Council to be held on 24 July 2018.