A probe into embattled Wagga council general manager Alan Eldridge has been referred to the state government after investigators uncovered more possible conflicts of interest.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes after The Daily Advertiser revealed Mr Eldridge failed to disclose his son’s financial stake in a planning application debated in council chambers three times between February and May 2016.
Two weeks ago Mr Eldridge bowed to intense pressure from councillors and voluntarily stepped down from his role to allow for an independent investigation.
Council’s lawyers on Wednesday told council staff the independent investigator believed Mr Eldridge may have kept quiet about other conflicts of interest.
Late Thursday afternoon, it was announced Mr Eldridge had been formally suspended and the matter was in the hands of the Office of Local Government.
Mr Eldridge had planned to return to work in three weeks, but his subsequent suspension will last until the Office of Local Government (OLG) investigation is concluded.
Wagga Ratepayers' Community founder Wes Fang claims to have spoken with council insiders who will now come forward with more allegations of impropriety.
“I know people who wanted to come forward but not to council's investigator; they want the protections afforded by an OLG investigation,” Mr Fang said.
“This is a good chance for council to win back confidence of Wagga community.
“It’s the first step in a more transparent and accountable council.”
An OLG spokesman said the “Office is aware that Wagga council is referring a matter to it for consideration as to any necessary action”.
Asked whether the outcome would be suppressed – like last year’s planning scandal involving staff sneaking through seven-figure discounts for preferred developers – councillor Paul Funnell demanded to know the eventual result.
“The Office of Local Government is a completely independent authority with the power to dig wherever they need to,” Cr Funnell said.
“Now the process will take place and we'll wait for the outcome.”
MORE TO COME.