THE Office of Local Government is closely monitoring Port Stephens Council as a result of information supplied by State MP Kate Washington relating to allegations of inappropriate conduct.
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Port mayor Bruce MacKenzie, however, has welcomed any investigation and described the allegations as "one of the most idiotic things I have ever heard of".
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Local Government [Paul Toole] confirmed to the Examiner on Monday that information received from Ms Washington was being reviewed by the office "which is standard practice".
During parliament on August 26, Ms Washington gave notice of her intention to move at a later date that parliament commence an investigation into matters of improper conduct within Port Stephens Council "with a view to recommending to the Governor that an administrator be appointed".
Ms Washington noted that many residents and community groups from Port Stephens had written to the Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government raising their concerns about the level of improper conduct.
"I have met with the minister who informed me the Office of Local Government would investigate and come back to me with their findings," she said.
But Cr MacKenzie has hit back.
He accuses Ms Washington of appeasing minority pressure groups in Port Stephens who had for years been calling for the dismissal of the council.
"I think it's an absolute joke and the I think the Minister would laugh at the suggestion [of dismissing the council].
"I can hold my head up high, most of the councillors can hold their heads up high and the council staff can hold their heads up to the clouds for what has been achieved by this council," Cr MacKenzie said.
"I would welcome any investigation ... in fact I would drive down to Sydney and pick up the investigators myself."
Mr Toole's spokeswoman added that the Port Stephens community deserved the highest standard of councillor conduct as elected representatives and that councillors were expected to conduct themselves accordingly.