The annoucement was first made in the New South Wales Government Gazette, September 1, 2021.

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Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock appointed Mr Ross Glover to hold a public inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council with the following terms of reference:

To inquire into, and report upon, the following matters:

1. Whether members of the council's governing body fully understand their roles and responsibilities and have adequately, reasonably and appropriately carried out their roles and responsibilities during the current term of Council.

2. Whether, during the current term of the council, there has been improper interference by the elected body of the council, or by individual councillors, in operational matters, with particular reference to staffing and planning functions.

3. Whether members of the council's governing body have been and will continue to be in a position to direct and control the affairs of Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and to otherwise fulfil its statutory obligations.

4. Any other matter that warrants inquiry, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of the council's functions and responsibilities or the community's confidence in the council being able to do so.

Ms Hancock said that it was in the public interest to suspend the council and make the order pursuant to section 438W to suspend the Council.

"Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the Act, the suspension will terminate no later than 30 days after the date the report of the Public Inquiry is provided to me," she said,

"Mr Viv May PSM is appointed as Interim Administrator of Wingecarribee Shire Council commencing on the date this order is gazetted for the remaining period during which the council is suspended under section 438W."

Mr May shall have the following functions:

This Order takes effect upon publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette.

More to come.

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