'Perhaps' no councillor had skills, inquiry finds
"Perhaps not any (councillors) possessed the knowledge and skill to analyse the information provided to them," according to the commissioner of the inquiry into Central Coast Council.
Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch said: "It is evident from the evidence of the councillors that not all councillors ... understood what was happening to the Council's finances from May 2019 until the financial crisis in October 2020.
"A number of submissions to the inquiry claimed that councillors were ill-equipped and insufficiently trained to properly discharge those obligations, particularly in relation to financial management."
However, she disagreed with the suggestion that councillors should be appointed on the basis of their qualifications.
"That notion is contrary to the democratic process and to the policy of the NSW Government which seeks diversity in age, experience, gender and background for local government councillors.
"Given the policy to encourage diversity amongst councillors and the significant obligations on them, proper training is essential to maximise the effectiveness and success of a governing body in performing its functions.
"Some submitters and witnesses suggested that councillors were akin to members of a company board and should be appointed based on their qualifications and experience.
"I do not subscribe to the view that councillors are akin to board members.
"However, I do think that councillors should be supported and trained so that they develop competencies to enable them to understand their role and responsibilities, including in relation to local government finance.
"At least the core components of that training should be mandatory and ongoing.
"To properly carry out their roles, councillors should be able to read and understand council financial statements, draft budgets, quarterly budget reports, investment reports and annual reports.
"Mandatory professional development exists across most professions and there is no reason why councillors, some of whom might be new to the role, should not similarly be required to have specialised and ongoing training.
"Greater attention needs to be given to properly equipping councillors for the role which they assume once elected."
SOURCE:
Report, 17 Mar 2022
Roslyn McCulloch, Public Inquiry
into Central Coast Council