The Northern Star-Daily Telegraph, 19 December 2024:
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) probe launched into Tweed Shire Council
A corruption probe has been launched into Tweed Shire Council, it can be revealed.
Multiple sources have told this publication an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation was recently launched into allegations surrounding council processes.
One source stated that the corruption probe was “common knowledge” in council and that “they have been trying to keep a lid on it”.
Another source said ICAC officers had recently raided council offices to conduct searches and obtain information, and that a number of staff had reportedly been suspended.
When asked about the probe, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry said she was “unsure” whether the investigation was “active” and that “it was likely to come out (in the media) sooner or later”. She then referred enquiries to general manager Troy Green.
In response to questions, a council spokesperson said: “All investigations are a matter for the Commission.”
“Where there is an active and ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate for council to give any response,” the spokesperson said.
“All enquiries should be directed to the ICAC. No further statements will be made about this matter by the council.”
An ICAC spokesperson said it would not “confirm or deny if it is undertaking investigations”.
In 2005, the state government sacked the Tweed Shire Council after allegations of corruption were aired to ICAC before handing responsibilities over to three administrators.
The probe came after an independent report by Commissioner Maurice Daly, who examined how Tweed councillors were elected, finding them to be influenced by a developer-led group called Tweed Directions.
The report claimed candidates who presented as independents were backed by developers who were responsible for a property boom on the Queensland-NSW border.
At the time, Local Government Minister Tony Kelly said the move had “distorted the community’s understanding of their real status and purpose” and council had “effectively lied to the community.”
The current probe has no links to the matters in 2005.
In September 2022 Tweed Shire Council published its Fraud and Corruption Control Policy Version 2.0 which reads in part:
Fraud refers to dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means. Corruption, in broad terms, is deliberate, a serious wrongdoing that involves dishonest or partial conduct, a breach of public trust or the misuse of information or material.....
This Policy affirms Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to supporting an integrity fraud and corruption control framework, communicates our intention and direction to fraud and corruption control and shows clear accountability structures.
