Hello Fellow Residents, Ratepayers, Supporters and Community
Below is a INDEX of the Transcript Reviews of the first six weeks/ 28 days on the Public Inquiry Hearings into Liverpool City Council. I trust that you find this helpful.
WEEK 1 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Hearing Review into Liverpool City Council: Day 1 - Monday 14th July 2025
Opening Remarks from Trish McDonald SC - Counsel assisting the Commissioner.
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Public Hearings Review into Liverpool City Council: Day 2 - Tuesday 15th July 2025
1) Adam Dansie - Director of Workforce and Legal at Local Government NSW (LGNSW)
2) Brad Medina - Assistant Auditor General in the NSW Auditor Generals Office
Day 2’s focus on employment sets the stage for examining specific cases of staff turnover and termination costs at Liverpool, which could reveal more about wasteful spending.
READ THE FULL DAY 2 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW via the Link below
Public Hearings Review into Liverpool City Council: Day 3 - Thursday 17th July 2025
Witness Farooq Portelli - LCC Director Corporate Services
The primary focus of Day 3 was the testimony of Mr Farooq Portelli, current Director of Corporate Services at Liverpool City Council and former General Manager (also referred to as Chief Executive Officer). Mr Portelli’s evidence provided a detailed account of his employment history with the council, spanning over a decade, and the circumstances surrounding his termination in 2014—a matter of significant interest to ratepayers concerned about leadership stability and associated costs.
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Public Hearing Review into Liverpool City Council: Day 4 - Friday the 18th July 2025
Witness 1 Tim Paisley - LCC Manager of Circular Economy and
Witness 2 Sheldon Roddicks - LCC Coordinator of Waste Services
On Day 4 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by two employees of Liverpool Council in relation to matters of interest including the purchase of 600 Cowpasture Road and the ongoing issues regarding waste and efficiency.
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WEEK 2 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 5 Updates for Local Residents - Monday 21st July 2025
Witness 1 Farooq Portelli - LCC Director Corporate Services and
Witness 2 Vishwa Nadan LCC Chief Financial Officer
Day 5’s evidence from Mr Portelli hits hard. The explosion of code of conduct complaints—over 115 in less than a year—means our rates are being spent on a slow, costly process that might not even resolve issues effectively, pulling resources away from services we rely on. The debate over an internal ombudsman adds to worries about transparency.
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https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-5-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 6 Updates for Local Residents - Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Witness - Vishwa Nadan - LCC Chief Financial Officer
Day 6’s testimony from Mr Nadan lays bare some harsh realities. The persistent deficits forecast after a fleeting 2025/26 surplus are a major worry—our rates could rise or services could suffer if the council can’t find steady income beyond one-off windfalls or staff cuts.Even more troubling is the admission that past monitoring failed to stop budget shortfalls, casting doubt on whether new accountability measures like director sign-offs will work.
READ THE FULL DAY 6 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-6-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 7 Updates for Local Residents - Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Witness - John Ajaka Former CEO LCC
Mr Ajaka’s evidence on Day 7 focused on his appointment as CEO, his background, and the circumstances leading to his role at Liverpool City Council. We have simplified the key points below, highlighting what should concern us as ratepayers funding a budget of over $530 million annually.
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https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-7-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 8 Updates for Local Residents - Thursday 24th July 2025
Witness - John Ajaka Former CEO LCC
Mr Ajaka’s continued testimony on Day 8 delved into the tense period before the termination of his employment, focusing on interactions and communications within the council around April 2024.
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https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-8-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 9 Updates for Local Residents - Friday 25th July 2025
Dr Eddie Jackson Former CEO LCC
Dr Jackson’s evidence on Day 9 provided a historical perspective on his time at Liverpool City Council, covering his roles, the political shifts during his tenure, and specific events around leadership transitions. I’ve broken down the key points into straightforward terms, focusing on what should concern us as ratepayers funding a budget exceeding $530 million annually.
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WEEK 3 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 10 Updates for Local Residents - Monday 28th July 2025
Dr Eddie Jackson Former CEO LCC
Dr Jackson’s testimony on Day 10 focused heavily on the Civic Place Project, a significant development initiative by Liverpool City Council, addressing its scope, financial risks, and the challenges he faced during his tenure as CEO
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 11 Updates for Local Residents - Tuesday 29th July 2025
Witness - Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC
Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 11 centered on his early days as CEO of Liverpool City Council, starting in December 2022, focusing on his interactions with senior directors, terminations with ex gratia payments, and his efforts to address a toxic workplace environment.
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 12 Updates for Local Residents - Wednesday 30th July 2025
Witness - Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC
Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 12 focused on events leading up to a council meeting on 24 April 2024, specifically addressing his awareness of union-organized staff meetings and rumors of job losses at Liverpool City Council.
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 13 Updates for Local Residents - Thursday 31st July 2025
Witness - Mr Shayne Mallard Former Director City Futures LCC
Mr Mallard’s testimony on Day 13 focused on his extensive background in local government and his specific roles at Liverpool City Council, providing context for his involvement with key figures and political dynamics during his tenure. Summarised below are the critical points below, highlighting concerns for ratepayers.
READ THE FULL DAY 13 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-13-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 14 Updates for Local Residents - Friday 1st August 2025
Witness -Ms Emily Tinson Program Manager LCC
Ms Tinson provided an in-depth overview of the WSIG, originally launched as the WestInvest program in 2022 by the NSW Government. Described as a $5 billion initiative to fund transformational infrastructure across Western Sydney, the program targeted 15 eligible Local Government Areas, including Liverpool. Ms Tinson explained that the council submitted 22 applications worth over $442 million, with six ultimately successful, securing significant funding for projects such as Light Horse Park embellishments (over $27 million), Brickmakers Creek, Carnes Hill Aquatic and Leisure Centre, and three streetscape upgrades (Macquarie, Railway, and Scott Streets).
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WEEK 4 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 15 Updates for Local Residents - Monday 18th August 2025
Witness - Mr Shayne Mallard Former Director City Futures LCC
Mr Mallard's testimony highlighted potential governance issues within Council, particularly regarding adherence to policies designed to ensure transparency and probity in property transactions. Mr Mallard acknowledged the experience was “an education curve” and stated that subsequently, the unsolicited proposal policy was being applied “much more vigorously” to other proposals.
READ THE FULL DAY 15 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-15-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 16 Updates for Local Residents - Tuesday 19th August 2025
Witness - Ms Sandie Morthen United Services Union Representative
Ms Morthen’s evidence painted a picture of underlying friction between senior council figures, particularly between the CEO and the mayor, which was common knowledge among employees. Her testimony also highlighted the union’s role in responding to potential job losses, a sensitive issue for the workforce. The inquiry continues to probe these interpersonal and operational dynamics at Liverpool City Council, raising questions about governance, communication, and staff morale.
READ THE FULL DAY 16 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-16-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 17 Updates for Local Residents - Wednesday 20th August 2025
Witness 1 Ms Sandie Morthen United Services Union Representative and
Witness 2 Ms Lauren Myers Former Executive Assistant to Mayor Mannoun
Ms Morthen’s testimony highlighted the challenges of managing union member behavior during emotionally charged events like rallies, as well as the personal and professional repercussions of perceived slights against elected officials. The inquiry continues to probe deeper into the interpersonal dynamics and governance issues at Liverpool City Council, with this rally incident illustrating broader themes of conflict and accountability.
Ms Myers’ testimony raises critical concerns about leadership conflicts, budget management, governance irregularities, and staff morale. The interpersonal clash between Mannoun and Ajaka, alongside financial deficits and potential job cuts, could affect service delivery and trust in local government. Moreover, the mayor’s involvement in operational decisions like CEO recruitment may prompt questions about transparency and fairness.
READ THE FULL DAY 17 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-17-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 18 Updates for Local Residents - Thursday 21st August 2025
Witness - Ms Lauren Myers Former Executive Assistant to Mayor Mannoun
Ms Myers’ emotional testimony painted a picture of a council environment marked by personal histories and professional tensions, particularly between Mayor Mannoun and CEO Ajaka in April 2024. The involvement of union representatives like Sandie Morthen and the circulation of anonymous communications from “USU Advocate” underscored the broader unrest among staff and stakeholders, especially concerning potential job cuts. Her role as a conduit for information and mediator in disputes highlighted the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a politically charged atmosphere.
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 19 Updates for Local Residents - Friday 22nd August 2025
Witness - Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC
Mr Ajaka’s testimony illuminated the deep-seated tensions within Liverpool City Council’s leadership, particularly between the CEO and the mayor over budget and staffing decisions in early 2024. The discussions with Deputy Mayor Macnaught reveal a potential ally in resisting what Mr Ajaka viewed as improper restructuring efforts, yet her silence at the critical meeting suggests underlying complexities in council dynamics or political pressures. These interactions highlight challenges in governance, transparency, and decision-making processes during a period of significant unrest.
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WEEK 5 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 20 Updates for Local Residents - Monday 25th August 2025
Witness - Mr Nathan Hagarty MP for Leppington
Mr Hagarty’s evidence underscores the complex interplay of political affiliations and strategic infrastructure planning within Liverpool City Council. His dual role as a state MP and Councillor during 2023 raises questions and revealed a council often split along ideological lines. The depot acquisition strategy prompt scrutiny over transparency in property acquisitions and the influence of key figures like the mayor in driving such decisions.
READ THE FULL DAY 20 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-20-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 21 Updates for Local Residents - Tuesday 26th August 2025
Witness - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
On Day 21 - Mr Breton’s testimony sheds light on the intricate web of personal and professional relationships within Liverpool City Council’s political sphere. His connection to Mayor Mannoun through campaign involvement and the assistance of Matthew Harte in forming an election ticket raises questions about the independence of his candidacy and potential influences on his current role as CEO. The inquiry’s focus on these ties suggests an interest in understanding how political alignments and past collaborations impact governance and decision-making processes at the council.
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 22 Updates for Local Residents - Wednesday 27th August 2025
Witness - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
Mr Breton’s testimony on Day 22 reveals ongoing efforts to improve governance within Liverpool City Council, particularly in areas of training and ethical standards. However, the identified gaps in tracking councillor training and the need for structural changes in code of conduct oversight point to systemic issues that could affect service delivery and fiscal responsibility. These discussions are vital for understanding how the council is addressing accountability and transparency, core concerns for ratepayers who expect their contributions to support effective and ethical local government. The inquiry continues to uncover areas for improvement, with further examination expected in upcoming sessions.
READ THE FULL DAY 22 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-22-highlights/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 23 Updates for Local Residents - Friday 29th August 2025
Witness - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
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Day 23’s testimony reveals ongoing tensions within Liverpool City Council regarding how best to manage complaints and ensure accountability, as evidenced by the debate over the internal Ombudsman role. The historical decision to abolish the position and the current motion to reinstate it reflect shifting priorities and potential governance gaps that could impact service delivery and public trust. For ratepayers, these discussions underscore the importance of robust, transparent mechanisms to address grievances without undue cost or delay. The inquiry continues to probe these governance structures, with further examination expected in upcoming sessions to clarify the council’s approach to accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 24 Updates for Local Residents - Monday 1st September 2025
Witness - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
Day 24’s testimony reveals critical insights into how Liverpool City Council navigates recruitment challenges within the constraints of the Local Government Act and market pressures. The use of market rates, while effective in addressing immediate staffing needs, underscores potential vulnerabilities in policy clarity and financial planning that could affect service efficiency and cost management. For ratepayers, these discussions highlight the balance between attracting necessary talent and maintaining fiscal discipline, a core concern in local governance. The inquiry continues to explore these operational intricacies, with further examination expected in upcoming sessions to clarify recruitment practices and their implications.
READ THE FULL DAY 24 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-24-updates-for-local-residents/
WEEK 6 REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS UPDATES INTO LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL INQUIRY
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 25 Updates for Local Residents - Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Witness - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
Mr Breton was questioned about the Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy, adopted on 23 July 2025, which he had referenced in his testimony the previous day. Ms McDonald highlighted section 5.12 of the policy, which allows the CEO to refuse access to information requested by a councillor under specific circumstances (four criteria listed in the policy). A key discussion point was whether the policy addresses scenarios where an initial request from a councillor (e.g., on behalf of a constituent) is approved as necessary for civic functions
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 26 Updates for Local Residents - Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Witness - Councillor Fiona Macnaught
The spotlight was on Councillor Fiona Macnaught, a Liberal Party member elected in December 2021, as she took the stand to reveal her journey from community activist to key council figure. Led by Senior Counsel Assisting, Ms T McDonald SC, the testimony delved into political tickets, community battles, and pivotal council decisions that could shake ratepayers’ trust. Here’s the explosive breakdown of what unfolded .
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Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 27 Updates for Local Residents - Thursday 4th September 2025
Witness - Councillor Dr Betty Green
Day 27’s testimony provides a window into the early dynamics of the 2021-elected Liverpool City Council, particularly around a pivotal leadership change. The termination of the CEO, Dr Eddie Jackson, as described by Dr Green, reflects differing views among councillors and potential procedural concerns. For the Liverpool community, this evidence contributes to ongoing discussions about accountability and effective governance within the Council, as the inquiry seeks to assess whether processes align with public interest and statutory obligations.
READ THE FULL DAY 27 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-27-updates-for-local-residents/
Public Inquiry into Liverpool City Council: Day 28 Updates for Local Residents - Friday 5th September 2025
Witness 1 - Councillor Dr Betty Green
Witness 2 - Councillor Peter Harle
Witness 3 - Mr Jason Breton CEO LCC
The evidence from Day 28 of the Liverpool City Council Public Inquiry raises serious questions about governance, transparency, and accountability. From Dr Green’s concerns over undisclosed conflicts in CEO recruitment to Councillor Harle’s observations of a pattern of CEO terminations and misuse of mayoral minutes, and Mr Breton’s admission of lapses in providing critical investigation reports to councillors, there are clear signs that the council may not be functioning as effectively as ratepayers deserve. While reforms are proposed, the historical patterns and current procedural shortcomings suggest deeper issues that need addressing.
READ THE FULL DAY 28 TRANSCRIPT REVIEW USING THE LINK BELOW https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-28-updates-for-local-residents/