The New South Wales Greens Party is calling for the State Government to respond to questions raised in parliament about what he calls "lawless development" at Sandon Point north of Wollongong. Greens M-P David Shoebridge has demanded details be revealed about the failure to gazette the site as state significant in 2002.

The former Labor government then gave developer Stockland approval to build on the site despite the administrative error.

Mr Shoebridge says he's yet to receive a response. "And this is part of the continual response", he said. "The state government approves further development in Sandon Point, retrospectively cures things through further gazette. It's effectively lawless development".

Wollongong Against Corruption admires and appreciates David Shoebridge for his Questions in Parliament that we consider  NOT ANSWERED by Greg Pearce as the Minister representing The Illawarra who still does not have an office in our region. Mr Perace responded to questions stating that David Shoebridge should refer to the NSW Planning website for answers. WAC has checked Planning NSWs website and performed a SEARCH of this webiste and was unable to find any answers to Davids questions that he asked on Behalf of the ILLAWARRA Community. We can only assume that Greg Pearce has Mislead Parliament and the Illawarra Community that he is supposed to represent; and treated our Community with complete contempt.

From Hansard Transcript Legislative Council - 3 April 2012

SANDON POINT DEVELOPMENT

Mr DAVID SHOEBRIDGE: My question is directed to the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra.

1. What principles are governing further development at Sandon Point now that the Government has confirmed in answers to questions on notice that the commission of inquiry's recommendations have been formally rejected?
2. How are these principles determined?

The Hon. GREG PEARCE: I suggest that if the member goes to the Planning website he, will get his answers.

WAC calls on Greg Pearce to meet with us at Sandon Point Tent Embassy and show us exactly where this information is to be found on the Planning website because we couldnt find any such information AND also explain to us why he refused to answer these questions and refuses to call for an Inquiry into the administrative error that led to this special place not being gazetted as a State Significant site as promised and signed by Andrew Refshaugee in 2002.

Meanwhile, Wollongong City Council is creating a plan of management for Sandon Point. Long-time activist Jill Walker has lodged a submission. But she says Council's plan of management may be too late to undo the work carried-out by Stockland. "They've destroyed creeks, trees, habitat, vegetation, endangered communities, they're channelling out the creeks and turning them into drains", she said. The ABC has sought a response from Stockland, Wollongong City Council and the NSW Planning Minister.

Labor, Liberals Accused of NSW Donations Breach

Nicholas McClaren ABC

February 1st 2012

The Greens have accused the Liberal and Labor parties of breaching New South Wales electoral laws by accepting donations from a Wollongong property developer. Greens MP John Kaye says in 2010 HTT Huntley Heritage donated $2,000 to the ALP, while a company director, Robert Renshall, gave $2,400 to the Liberal Party.

Donations from property developers and their associates were banned in NSW in December 2009 through amendments to the Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Act. Dr Kaye says he has referred the matter to the Election Funding Authority. "At the end of 2009 the laws changed and banned property developers and close associates of property development companies from making donations," he said. "That would certainly rule out both HTT Huntley Heritage but also Robert Renshall from making donations. "

The New South Wales Government has made a big fuss out of its desire to clean up the political process. "Yet here we have both the party of Government and the party of Opposition taking money that was declared illegal by a vote of all political parties in the Upper House and Lower House at the end of 2009."

Mr Renshall says he cannot recall giving money to the Liberal Party, but the ALP donation was fully declared by the company. Labor says it is still deciding whether to keep or return the donation. A Liberal spokesman says the party believed HTT Huntley Heritage was a waste management company when it accepted the money, and they are now examining the donation.

An excellent expose on this can be found on Wollongongwiki

TITLE: THE HTT HUNTLEY PROPOSAL: Riddled with LEAD, ASBESTOS and POLITICAL DONATIONS

http://wollongongwiki.blogspot.com.au/

Natalie O'Brien's exclusive investigation into the illegal dumping of asbestos and lack of Govt intervention highlights the future health problems our community will face due to asbestos contaminated land being used for residential purposes.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/health/asbestos-the-outlawed-fibre-with-a-licence-to-kill-20120407-1wici.html

And click on read more below for more information about Undue Influence from political donations.

Wollongong Against Corruption Demands a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption in Wollongong that has been covered up for decades. 

Wollongong Against Corruption supported the Liberal Party’s call for a judicial inquiry into allegations that an investigation into former NSW Police Minister David Campbell was covered up; but is concerned that O'Farrell has done nothing to make it possible since announcing this in 2010. We are hopefull that Barry O'Farrell will prioritise this promise and make it a reality.

We know the ICAC inquiry only touched the tip of the Ice-Berg in Wollongong. WHY?

 Could it be because the ICAC wasnt Independent or is it simply a matter of being grossly underfunded?

WAC questions the Independency of the ICAC from the Labor Party because we are aware that Joe Scimones long term Labor friend and collegue; MP David Borger's wife (Gizelle Tocher) was the Manager of Planning and Local Govt investigations at the ICAC prior to and during the Investigation into Wollongong City Council. David Borger MPS wife Gizelle had previously been mentioned in Parliament regarding allegations of Branch Stacking so there is a long relationship and committment to Labor. David Borgers wife's role in the ICACs investigation into Wollongong City Council is just one aspect that needs CLOSE SCRUTINY.

Channel Seven's Steve Barrett and Adam Walters not only exposed the secret sex life of David Campbell BUT then went on in November 2010 to expose the Cover Up of serial drink spiking incidents involving Joe Scimone.

WAC demands a full Judicial Inquiry into this and expects Ryan Park to fully support our calls for a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that has allowed serious criminal activity to be totally covered up. 

WAC calls on Victims of possible criminal behaviour by Civic leaders that has not been thoroughly investigated by NSW Police to contact them via their website www.wollongongagainstcorruption.org.au. or post a comment.

  In 2008 David Campbell was asked in NSW Parliament: Did he or any of his staff (this would include Ryan Park his Executive Assistant) know of any complaints that had been made known to NSW Police involving Joe Scimone?" David Campbell who was Police Minister at the time answered that he only knew of one and that was the one involving Vicki Curran.

A day after ICAC finally wrapped up its shambolic and ineffectual Inquiry Into Corruption In Wollongong City Council the Illawarra Mercury, a newspaper that had consistently backed and glossed over corruption in Wollongong announced it was back to the old business of backing corrupt developers.

On Monday night, 30th January Councillor Vicki Curran (Independent; pictured left) at Wollongong City Council tabled explosive revelations concerning corruption and environmental contamination in regard to the Huntley Heritage development on the Illawarra Escarpment. Curran revealed that the developer HTT Huntly Heritage had failed to declare political donations given to both the Labor and Liberal parties to the Electoral Funding Authority. The developer had also failed to declare the donations to Wollongong Council in the development process as required under policy. Not one of the eight Liberal and Labor Councillors sitting on Wollongong Council had disclosed the donations as is required under pecuniary interest declaration regulations. The eight Liberal and Labor councillors sat silently whilst Curran comprehensively exposed a developers scandal of political donations, influence peddling and illegal pressure on the council. Curran was later to say "This is the same old, same old in Wollongong Council. We have come too far to allow the old fixers and pro-developer politics to set up shop in the city".

Curran was swept to office on wave of community anger and disgust at the Wollongong cash for development scandal that had gripped the city for the last five years. With her co independent Councillor Greg Petty, Curran brought into the Wollongong council chambers the first real challenge to corrupt politics seen in the city. Curran and Petty were supported by the two Green councillors Jill Merrin and George Takacs. Curran with the backing of Petty also exposed a shocking deliberate contamination and cover up of environmental contamination of the Illawarra Escarpment by the developer.

From 1998 to 2001 HTT Huntley allowed the dumping of industrial waste on its proposed development site. HTT Huntley had purchased the site following the closure of the State Government owned Huntley Colliery. The mine site was notorious as being linked to a lymphoma cancer cluster and subject to an inquiry of which the conclusions have been suppressed and its finding never released! The electricity generator Power Coal sold the site for a song due to the widespread perception that the site would never be developed as a consequence of the fears concerning carcinogenic risk. Curran detailed the dumping of lead and asbestos contaminated on the site. The developer had allowed the dumping of extremely dangerous contaminated waste in breach of its EPA licence. Curran referred to the decision of Justice Perleman in the New South Wales Land and Environment Court and the finding, conviction and penalties imposed on HTT Huntley by the court. Curran emphasised that the developer was estopped from denying its breach and the contamination of the land.

Wollongong City Council planning staff had submitted a report to the council backgrounding the issue and recommending that the council support a rezoning of the site from environmental protection to residential. Extraordinarily the council report had omitted to reference the decision of Justice Perlemen and its own current land classification of contamination. David Hickie of GHD Engineering was engaged by the developer to provide a geotechnical and contamination assessment for the developer. Hickie gave the site a clean bill of health. Hickie was at the time a shareholder and former director of HTT Huntley. Curran raised the clear conflict of interest to the council meeting and received no support from the Liberal and Labor Councillors. In a breathtaking display of political fixing the Liberal and Labor councillors who had clearly caucused in breach of the anti-corruption guidelines, voted to a man and a woman to support the rezoning in the interest of the developer. It was obvious on the night that the Liberal and Labor political machines would retaliate against Curran. The atmosphere in the council meeting was angry and unforgiving. The performance of the Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery was simply abysmal. Despite not being required to vote and speak to the motion, Bradbery launched a vitriolic attack in support of the developer and development on this contaminated site. Bradbery threatened to exclude critics from the public gallery and in an all time low for pro-developer rhetoric at Wollongong City Council, he described the Illawarra Escarpment as a "mound of dirt".

It didn’t take long for the pro-developer machine in Wollongong to try to nail Curran. The local Fairfax owned newspaper the Illawarra Mercury had not reported one line of Curran's expose of the developer donations and contamination of the land. However, the jobbing journalist Mario Christodoulou (pictured right) at the Mercury contacted Curran today and incredibly attempted to run a concocted story that Curran was herself compromised by developer donations!

It is general knowledge in Wollongong that Curran and her team of Independents had not supported Bradbery in his attempt to win a seat in the recent State government elections and later in his election as Lord Mayor. Curran said "We couldn’t sup[port Gordon in his run for public office because despite his clean government rhetoric we were very concerned about some of his backers. In particular the property council, the disgraced former Wollongong Council CEO Rod Oxley and prominent land developer representatives." The Illawarra Mercury a big booster of the property market in Wollongong backed Bradbery to the hilt. At the same time the newspaper imposed a news blackout on Curran and her team. Despite the Mercury censorship of Curran and her team she romped into to a Ward 3 position on Wollongong Council. Today Christodoulou claimed that he had "information" that the ALP Wollongong member of the NSW Parliament Noreen Hay had financially backed Curran's campaign. Christodoulou provided no other information apart from the allegation. Christodoulou's allegation is completely untrue and groundless. Curran and her independents received no donations or financial assistance from Hay or from any other political source or developers. Christodoulou had attempted to smear Curran by guilt by association with Hay, who had in the past accepted donations from developers including a developer associated with HTT Huntley. Curran and her independents had given some political support to both Hay and Michelle Blicavs, the Liberal candidate in the recent state election but had refused assisting both Liberal and Labor in the local Govt elections.

Wollongong Against Corruption convener Paul Matters said today "We had an ABG strategy. Anyone but Gordon. We supported the Shooters, the Greens, the Libs, Noreen Hay, the Christian Democrats before him. We urged people to put him last. We would have supported the drovers dog if he was running in front of Gordon. He was the only candidate in the recent state election in the seat of Wollongong to refuse to declare his funding and in kind sources prior to the election. In addition we had serious misgivings about Gordon's ethical performance whilst employed by the Uniting Church. Perhaps it’s now time to put all the cards on the table. WAC's assessment of Gordon has unfortunately been confirmed by his appalling performance in voting in support of the Huntley development and the selloff of Glennifer Brae. In five months he has confirmed our worst fears. Gordon is a pro-developer Mayor. He has betrayed many of his supporters and has sold out those who hoped that he would institute a new clean politics in Wollongong. WAC challenges Gordon Bradbery to a public debate on the issue of Huntley. WAC and the many decent hard working supporters of Vicki Curran see the Illawarra Mercury's scurrilous attempted smearing of Councillor Curran's integrity and anti-corruption credentials and commitment is beneath contempt. The Mercury and its developer friends are attempting to play the woman not the issue. We will keep the pressure on in regard to the issue of defending the Illawarra Escarpment from corrupt and destructive development."

Does it surprise anyone that the ICAC has failed to tell ex councillor Val Zanotto that he wouldnt face charges for his involvement in the systemic corruption that affected Wollongong City Council?

It certainly doesnt surprise Wollongong Against Corruption who have been calling on a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption affecting NSW.

Former South Coast Labor Council Secretary and WAC spokesperson Paul Matters stated "The ICAC should drop the word INDEPENDENT from its name considering the close association with Labor MPs and executive officers of the ICAC being related to and/or appointed by the Labor Party whose senior and long term members were facing allegations of corruption."

Matters added "It is shocking that the Liberal Opposition and the Parliamentary Oversite Committee of the ICAC at the time of the Investigation and hearing failed to act appropriately on the information available that Joe Scimones long term Labor friend and collegue MP David Borger's wife (Gizelle Tocher) was the Manager of Planning and Local Govt investigations at the ICAC during the Investigation into Wollongong City Council. David Borger MPS wife Gizelle had previously been mentioned in Parliament regarding allegations of Branch Stacking. David Borger's wifes role in the ICACs investigation into Wollongong City Council was totally IGNORED; left to go unquestioned and considered in Wollongong as yet another successful cover up of the Political Corruption that has tormented our City for decades"

 Many people in Wollongong; especially former Council staff who gave evidence to the ICAC (that they chose to ignore and not include) predicted that Beth Morgan and Val Zanotto would never face charges because they had damming evidence of the corruption that was not restricted to Wollongong Council but involved the State Govt/Depts and allowed to become systemic due to the close association between the State Govt and the ICAC.

Following this announcement; Wollongong Against Corruption renews its demand on Barry O'Farrell to IMMEDIATELY honour his promise of a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that affected and possibly still affects NSW.

Many families will always remember the Lymphoma Cancer Cluster associated with miners and residents at Huntley Colliery.

People in our Community remember the actions taken to protect the Illawarra Escarpment including:

• the Commission of Inquiries
• the Union Bans on Development by the South Coast Labour Council under the guidance of Paul Matters;
• the Plan of Management for Old Mine Sites on the Illawarra Escarpment
• and the Illawarra Escarpment Plan of Management.

Unfortunately there seems a void of this historical Corporate knowledge at Council  and this was evident recently when Council Executive Officers recommended the rezoning for residential development on our Escarpment on the old Huntley Mining Site- on the land that was once leased for mining and that was purchased at a Bargain Basement price.

This was the Proposal that gained Sydney Media attention when the Developers paid $12,000 to have dinner with former Labor Premier Morris Iemma at Noreen Hays fundraiser. (Click on read more for Sydney Morney Herald report)

On Monday 14th November 2011 a Planning Proposal for rezoning to allow residential development was recommended to our NEW Councillors by Council officers for the old Huntley Mine site and associated lands. Considering the dinner with Iemma it is not surprising to some that All but one Labor Councillor voted in support of this. Chris Connor (Labor) spoke very strongly in support of this planning proposal and rezoning. Chris Connor said "The people of Wollongong voted for a new Council because they wanted Councillors to make decisions". Independent Councillor Vicki Curran clarified "The people of Wollongong voted us in not just to make decisions but well informed, well considered decisions"" Curran also sited the contamination of the site; known endangered ecological communities and the fact that this planning proposal went against the Regional Strategy and could have a similar affect on Stage 1, 2 & 3 of the West Dapto development as that of Calderwood which Council had strongly opposed" Fortunately the  Liberals, Greens and Independents voted in support of Cr George Takacs motion that calls for MORE information to be provided and Councillor onsite briefing prior to the next Council meeting when this matter will be up again for decision.

Its an interesting WEB that has been woven in Wollongong in regards to these old mine site lands.

This paper was presented by John Mant at the 17th Annual Public Sector Fraud & Corruption Conference 2010 Canberra. John is a retired lawyer, urban planner, co-author of the revised NSW Local Govt Act; former ICAC Commissioner and great supporter

Fears an Oversized beachfront home that was approved at Hastings Point may set a precedent for other non complying developments to be approved and may open the door to corruption.

Wollongong Against Corruption is very concerned at reports that the contempary Development Control Plan that was recently created by Tweed Shire Council after 12 years of consultation, deliberation and well informed consideration has been breached in the recent approval of a Non-Complying Development at Hastings Point. Not only does this situation lead to precedents in the Tweed Shire but may also have a flow on affect to other Councils in NSW. In addition; Wollongong Against Corruption is very concerned with this decision especially following the ICAC investigation and findings into Wollongong City Council that clearly highlighted the danger of Councils/Councillors approving Non Complying Developments that were not in keeping with the LEP or DCP.

Approvals of Non Complying DAs that breach up to date Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans not only creates an unfair playing field where genuine investors are wary; but is well known to create the likelihood of systemic and endemic corruption and mistrust in Council and Councillors.

Wollongong Against Corruption commends Tweed Shire Councils Lord Mayor Barry Longland for putting in a Recission Motion to overturn this decision and calls on all Councillors to support this motion to avoid facing the same fate as Wollongong Council and ensure that all Land owners, developers and Community are aware that the rules that have been set in the LEP and DCP are going to be upheld by your Council, and in doing so will create a Sustainable Community where corruption of planning is not tolerated and will not Breed in the Tweed.

Wollongong Against Corruption encourages all Tweed Councillors to follow the clear local planning guidelines so that they can avoid being perceived as being open to corruption. Clear decisions on DAs based on the Councils local planning regulations is paramount in preventing corruption and if evidence is required of this we recommend that Tweed Councillors read the Transcripts and Findings of the ICAC investigation into Wollongong City Council. We also recommend Councillors read John Mants (former ICAC Commissioner; Co-Author of the Local Govt Act; Lawyer & Planner) article about Corruption of the Planning Process at http://www.wollongongagainstcorruption.org.au/article.php?story=20110424055217413

Steve Spencer (ECHO) provides a clear and objective report of the current issue facing Tweed Shire Council.....READ MORE>>>>

  A controversial plan to redevelop an old block of flats into a three-storey home on the Hastings Point beachfront which breaches height and setback rules has been approved by Tweed Shire Council. Locals fear the approval will create a precedent leading to more mega ‘McMansion’ style homes in the village. Several councillors spoke passionately against the project, which involves a block of flats being gutted and renovated to create a three-storey home at 26 Tweed Coast Road, but to no avail.

Council planners recommended approval, despite the building being 0.5m higher than allowed by the village’s development control plan (DCP). It also breaches council’s coastal setback regulations, being 2.5 metres from the boundary rather than the required eight metres. But planners were swayed by its status as an existing building and the potential of a successful Land and Environment Court challenge if the project was rejected. There is also an even larger home next door. Council staff sent letters to 45 neighbours and received seven submissions objecting to the reconstruction, which would see workmen demolish most of the interior of the block of flats, leaving the exterior walls as a framework for the new home.

 Mayor Barry Longland, who opposed the plan with Crs Katie Milne and Joan van Lieshout, said the hard work done to create a DCP for the village was being ‘trashed at the first hurdle’. Cr Longland warned councillors that other Hastings Point property owners were waiting for the project’s approval so they could seek to build similar-sized homes. ‘What happens when the next project comes along? Let’s stand firm,’ said Cr Longland.

Three founding members of WAC are determined to unite their skills, knowledge and experience in Community advocacy, Corruption prevention and Local Government by standing for election for Wollongong City Council in WARD 3. The girls who many residents know for their tireless and unpaid work in the community spanning over 30 years are joined by young upcoming civic leader Ben Baaner from Horsely.

Together the United For Change team will provide a Strong Voice for the Southern Suburbs with commitment, passion and integrity.

 UNITED FOR CHANGE - Bringing Independent, Uncompromised Commitment & Balance to serving our Community with Passion & Integrity.    Vote 1 GROUP A WARD 3

Vicki Curran      Alice Scott

Helen Hamilton  Ben Baaner

Alice Scott - Recipient of the 2010 Women Making a Difference to their Community Award. 

 Alice believes " If you feel something is not right, don't complain , do something about it."

Helen Hamilton - Long Time Community and Environmental Advocate for Southern Suburbs

Ben Banner - Strong Voice for Sporting organisations, Business and Employment growth in the Southern Suburbs and Revitilisation of and Better Road Access for Dapto/Horsley/West Dapto.

Ben attended Edmund Rice College Mt Keira and lives at Horsely. At only 20 years of age Ben displays great enthusiasm for Community involvement and enjoys the challenge of working in a team to achieve positive outcomes for his local community. Ben has been a member of the Illawarra Clay Target Shooters Club since the age of 6 and Executive Board Member for the past 2 years.

Since leaving High School Ben has participated in several Community led environmental and local planning campaigns/activities. In addition to this Ben has shown great empathy and concern for young people with mental illness and spent 3 years as mentor and support for a local teenage boy. Ben shows maturity and compassion way beyond his years.

Ben is concerned at the High Youth Unemployment rate in the Southern Suburbs and the social implications this has on our area. He is also concerned for businesses, business and development growth and the lack of essential infrastructure in the Southern Suburbs. Ben is disgusted that a FURTHER $16 million dollars is ear marked to be spent on two blocks in Wollongong Mall when Dapto and West Dapto residents have been kept waiting for many years for adequate roads to provide access to their homes and work. Ben believes that Southern Suburbs have been neglected for far too long and funds need to be directed immediately to these suburbs ahead of further outrageous spending in Wollongong City Centre.

UPDATE 2/2/12: Broken PROMISE BY BARRY O'FARRELL? WHY HAVENT ANY VICTIMS BEEN CALLED? NOT HAPPY BARRY! ONE VICTIM CLAIMS WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL PURSUED HER FOR OVER PAYMENT DURING EMPLOYMENT FOLLOWING HER LEAVING COUNCIL BECAUSE OF ALLEGED ASSAULT.
IS THIS A FURTHER COVER UP and DECEPTION BY OUR POLITICIANS?

PREVIOUS Report 14 August 2011 -
Following the Seven news teams investigative report that has lead to the reopening of the Police Inquiry into the drink spiking incidents in this City, Wollongong Against Corruption has again renewed its call for Access to the Robyn Bartlett Investigation into Sexual Harassment and Drink Spiking allegations. If you missed the Seven news exclusive investigative report click on http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/nsw/-/watch/26280985/police-probe-drink-spiking-incidents/

WAC also calls on Voters in the up coming Council elections to remember that Rod Oxley and some former Councillors who are now standing for Election were dismissed due to the systemic corruption in their term on Council.  WAC calls on voters to select candidates who have a genuine committment to Community and ethics; knowledge of local Govt and Good Governance; and who have the integrity and courage to prevent and stop residual corruption.

WAC is calling on full disclosure of:

• The Robyn Bartlett report and all associated Documents.
• The full disclosure of payouts provided to Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley that was called for and unanimously resolved by former Councillors but never disclosed by Rod Oxley; and never disclosed by the Labor Appointed Administrators
• Full disclosure of all legal costs paid for by WCC to protect/defend Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley between 2002 and up to and including 2008.
• A copy of the reference that Rod Oxley wrote Joe Scimone (close mate of Joe Tripodi) that led to Joe Scimone receiving the Executive Role at The Ports Authority AFTER he was forced to leave WCC as a direct result of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal and Anti Discrimination Board complaints and action.
•  Council documents and associated documents relating to drink spiking and sexual harassment complaints/information received by or known by Rod Oxley and/or Officers of Council between 2002 and 2005.
• Full disclosure of all Cost to Council from Rod Oxleys disclosure of confidential documents that the Code of Conduct Committee upheld.

The Bartlet report was Buried by Rod Oxley and not even our elected Councillors were allowed to see it or the transcripts.

The Public paid for this report. Rod Oxley denied all Public access to this report. David Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have also refused to investigate this; have refused to provide all information to the NSW POlice; the NSW DPP or to the ICC. WAC will be mounting a significant campaign to the freshly elected Council to act with honesty, transparency and good governance on these matters and expect the new Council to fully investigate the role david Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have played in keeping this matter covered up.

WAC is aware that David Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have denied liability for work place injuries sustained by Vicki Curran. Considering Councils knowledge of similar complaints dating back to 2003 involving Keira MP Ryan Parks wife Kara Lamond the fact that they have refused liability and refused to assist the only person who had the courage to stop the behaviour and whose complaint led to the dismissal of Joe Scimone from WCC is beyond comprehension of our community. WAC will be demanding that the new Council immediately investigate and assist the victims of these horrendous workplace attacks and injuries.

Many people would not be aware that the ICAC who requested the Bartlett report during its investigation were only provided with 3 out of 12 transcripts of interview from Wollongong City Council(one from Joe Scimone and only two from alleged victims of sexual harassment)  on which they based their findings. Who was responsible for limiting the information provided to the ICAC that then limited the ICAC investigation?  Was it Rod Oxley?  If not who? Why havent the WCC Administrators forwarded the full report and ALL transcripts to the ICAC; NSW Police and the DPP for thorough investigation?

Because the ICAC only received two victim statements; and due to the fact that Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley were no longer employed at Council; the ICAC found that no further action was required. This was the same finding of the Conduct Committee where they did not recommend any penalty against Rod Oxley because he was no longer employed at Council.

BUT now he wants to be Lord Mayor!

Former Councillors Anne Wood and Carolyn Griffiths tried all avenues available to them as our elected representatives to ensure that Council was acting according to its responsibilities, legislation and regulations. However they were bullied themselves and silenced by  threat of Code of Conduct Complaints. It is noted that all other Councillors CHOSE not to get involved and put their blinkers on to this conduct; including those now standing for Election eg Alice Carten and David Brown. These former Councillors did not support the female victims of drink spiing and indecent assaults. They did nothing.

Anne Wood courageously made 12 complaints regarding Rod Oxleys' handling of the sexual harassment complaints. Of these 12 complaints only 1 was upheld BUT no penalty against Rod Oxley was recommended because he was no longer a Council Official. WAC believes that if all information was available to, and considered by Wollongong City Council's Conduct Committee that all complaints would have been upheld against Rod Oxley.

With Council elections looming and Rod Oxley publicly declaring he DID nothing wrong in his time at Council, and now wanting to be Lord Mayor of Wollongong; WAC believes full disclosure of this information is essential and should be granted in the BEST INTEREST of OUR COMMUNITY.

If Rod Oxley has forgotten what he did when he was employed at Council; then Council must ensure that the Community is informed and reminded prior to the Council elections where Rod Oxley is standing for election as Lord Mayor.

Click on READ MORE below

Wollongong Against Corruption welcomes the announcement that NSW Minister of Police Mike Gallagher is in the process of establishing an inquiry into NSWs five investigative bodies including the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

THE body designated to examine allegations about the conduct of the former Crime Commission investigator Mark Standen will also be subject to review later this year, calling into question its ability to deal with any new claims. The Police Integrity Commission (PIC) is expected to be part of an inquiry into the operation of NSW's five super-judicial bodies, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The review, being worked on by the Premier's Department, is expected to be announced later this year.  The Federal Police Commissioner at the time of the Standen arrest, Mick Keelty, called for the review of the Crime Commission to be thorough. 

  Former assistant NSW police commissioner with a record of reform, Clive Small, said all of the state's super judicial bodies should be examined under the one inquiry. Otherwise, he said, there would be overlap and duplication. He also said the inquiry should examine whether the members of the Crime Commission's management committee, which also includes the police minister and NSW police commissioner, were partly responsible for any failures at the agency. ''No inquiry would be complete or adequate if these people and their predecessors were not called before it and held to account,'' he said. Wollongong Against Corruption agrees with Clive Small and will be making submissions to The Premiers Department to ensure that the review is thorough. Over the past few years Wollongong Against Corruption has been provided with evidence and reports that justifies the need for a Royal Commission that is seperate from the Police Integrity Commission. WAC will be including this information in its submission to The Premier to ensure that the PIC isnt the investigative body in charge of any review of the ICAC, Crimes Commission and itself (Police Integrity Commission). Many WAC members would remember Clive Smalls talk in Wollongong as guest of WAC where he spoke about the systemic corruption in NSW and the need for a thorough review of all investigative agencies.

The NSW Police Minister, Michael Gallacher, said yesterday that the PIC was the appropriate body to investigate any complaints about cases involving Standen, who was convicted of conspiracy charges on Thursday. The PIC had the appropriate powers and resources to handle such allegations and had shown it was prepared to investigate the Crime Commission. ''If there are allegations about systemic corruption in the Crime Commission we already have a body with royal commission powers to look at this and that is the PIC,'' Mr Gallacher said. The PIC's role will be in question when the Premier's Department review begins but the minister's spokesman said they were confident the review of the PIC would not compromise its ability to examine the Crime Commission.

Wollongong residents are making their views very clear on Rod Oxley's failure to recognise his role in the corruption that affected Wollongong City Council under his reign as General Manager; that was identified by the ICAC in its published findings.

 It is clear in today's Illawarra Mercury story (not reportive nor objective) by Michelle Hoctor titled "Oxley Says experience will help him sniff out corruption" that Oxley needs some reminding.

In a contradiction of statements oxley says that his experience in the corruption era at Council (which Oxley terms the ''bad experience'') has given him the skills etc needed "to know what to look for now". In total contradiction he then goes on to say he doesnt know what the ICAC meant when they found him guilty of creating a culture which could have led to corrupt conduct occurring". Not only does Rod Oxley contradict himself but he also WATERS DOWN the findings made against him by the ICAC.

 Northern Illawarra resident Alan Bond is one such resident who is doing his best to remind Oxley and the voters of the Wollongong LGA of the role Rod Oxley played in the corruption that systemic at Council. 

Wollongong Against Corruption proudly announces and supports the nomination for Lord Mayor for Wollongong City one of our Founding Members and well known Whistle Blower and Community Advocate Vicki Curran.

Vicki Curran has been available to help many individual residents, neighbourhood and sporting groups to oppose inappropriate development eg Wombarra, Berkeley, West Corrimal (Illegal Vellar mansions on the Escarpment) Fairy Meadow (Ambience), and Farmborough Heights (rezoning of escarpment lands) as well as Developers and Small Business owners/contractors in their dealings with Council. Vicki states "I have been approached by, and provided assistance to both business owners and developers who are still finding that Wollongong is not allowing equal opportunity for contracts, tenders and development. I am determined to change that and as Lord Mayor I know from listening to the business sector I would provide greater confidence to this sector so that they not only consider... but decide to do their business in Wollongong City LGA."

Wollongong Against Corruption believes Vicki would provide the leadership needed to revitalise Wollongong.

In BREAKING NEWS - The DPP has announced that it will not be proceeding with any charges against Beth Morgan - former Wollongong City Council Town Planner, for her role in the corruption that affected Wollongong City Council and which led to the dismissal of Council/Councillors. How is it that Frank Gigliotti received a gaol sentence for supplying Ray Younan with a case of scotch BUT Beth Morgan who paid the con men a lot more than that to BUY her way out of the ICAC investigation and received luxury gifts including a trip overseas with Frank Vellar, gets to walk away without any criminal charges laid against her?

It was recommended by ICAC that she face 27 criminal charges.

Many people in Wollongong; especially former Council staff who gave evidence to the ICAC (that they chose to ignore and not include) predicted that Beth Morgan would never face charges because she had damming evidence of the corruption that was not restricted to Wollongong Council but involved the State Govt/Depts and allowed to become systemic due to the close association between the State Govt and the ICAC.

Following this announcement; Wollongong Against Corruption renews its demand on Barry O'Farrell to IMMEDIATELY honour his promise of a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that affected and possibly still affects NSW.

Wollongong Against Corruption continues to ask WHY DID the ICAC, the Inspector of the ICAC and NOW the DPP decide to EXCLUDE and TOTALLY DISMISS the Illegal Vellar Mansions on the Escarpment from Investigation, The Public Hearings and DPP Brief?

Our Council was dismissed for Systemic Corruption BUT was replaced by State Appointed Administrators (one of which - Colin Gellately- was involved in the NSW Energy Sale currently under Inquiry). But they proved who they were working for and it certainly wasnt the Community when they attempted to Retrospectively Approve these Illegal Mansions in the Draft LEP. They almost got away with it....but fortunately their contribution to the maladministration and corruption affecting Wollongong City Council was exposed by Wollongong Against Corruption; in Parliament; in the Media and persistent and varied Community Action. EVENTUALLY  they did remove the rezoning and FINALLY took action against Vellar in the Land and Environment Court (but even that took them two years with persistent efforts by WAC and our Community).

Here are some related media articles based on our Exclusive Investigation and Community wide Action into the corruption that ICAC and the State Investigative bodies have CONTINUED to IGNORE. The Mansions are still standing; are dangerous; have destroyed core escarpment land and vegetation and provide a serious flood and slip risk to nearby residents. The Corruption or Incompetence?....CONTINUES.

Michael Organ says he is standing as an Independent for the Upcoming Council elections BUT he seems to be the Puppet Master for the Greens if this email is anything to go by. Here we have Michael Organ forwarding a Liberal Party invitation (that he may have received because of his new Independent status) to the Illawarra Greens which then led to the Greens attending on force the rally in the mall opposing the carbon tax; with guest speaker Barnaby Joyce and those who wanted to hear him speak not being given the respect or opportunity. Will Michael Organ be doing the same thing if he was elected on Council?  

Email From: Michael Organ Date: 12 July 2011 3:58:41 PM AEST To: Karen Cummings (illawarra Greens) , Brian Mason (NSW Nurses Union):

FW: Liberal Party CARBON TAX Rally- Barnaby Joyce comes to the the Wollongong Mall - Wednesday 13 July 2011 Can we circulate

 Dear friends please see below a notice about a Liberal Party carbon tax meeting to be held tomorrow at the Wollongong mall ...

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells invites you to attend Meeting in the Mall to hear how the Coalition intends to fight the Gillard Labor Government's toxic carbon tax. Concetta will introduce Senator Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water, who has been campaigning against the tax across Australia .Wednesday 13 July 2011 12.30pm-1.30pm Amphitheatre, Crown Street Mall, Wollongong Bring your friends and placards What the tax will mean: Cost of living in NSW will rise by $515 a year Electricity bills will rise by 10% in the first year  Gas bills will rise by 9% in the first year  . There will be higher marginal tax rates for low and middle income earners >> There will be a $4.3 billion hit on the budget bottom line .

Email Original Message---- From:jmerrin@southernphone.com.au Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2011 6:09 PM To: Karen Cummings;  Fwd: Liberal Party CARBON TAX Rally- Barnaby Joyce comes to the the Wollongong Mall - Wednesday 13 July 2011-can we circulate

Thanks Karen I'll try to get there with Greens placards - anyone have any carbon tax supportive or greenhouse action supportive signs? Jill Quoting Karen Cummings