Council general manager Anthony McMahon sought legal advice from Williamson Barwick solicitors who recommended an independent investigator be engaged to look into allegations of corrupt conduct, serious and substantial waste and maladministration regarding the council’s LGIS decision.

The investigation will examine the tender processes and all subject matter of the corruption allegations and then prepare a report.

Mr McMahon said, due to the seriousness of the allegations made against the council, he was compelled to seek legal advice.

“This is not the first time since the creation of Hilltops Council that these type of allegations have been levelled at us, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has cleared us of any wrong doing in regards to past allegations,” he said.

“But, due to the seriousness of the allegations made, the potential impacts for council, and ICAC’s previous assessment of accusations made against council, legal advice was sought, and it recommends that an independent investigation is conducted into the allegations.

“Our intention would be to refer the independent findings to ICAC for their review.”

Williamson Barwick solicitors managing director Brian Williamson said the investigation should satisfy the community that council has acted properly.

“The investigator will interview the source of the allegations, then interview the general manager, the administrator and all relevant staff,” he said.

“In our opinion, the investigation will have the potential to answer the allegations and validity of the source of the accusations and satisfy ICAC that council has acted properly.

“It will also give council a ‘position’ on the management of the current allegations and how to manage any potential future allegations from the same source.”