The NSW corruption watchdog will hold a public inquiry into Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas over allegations relating to planning matters, including that he received overseas flights and other benefits as kickbacks from developers.
It’s alleged that since 2015 Councillor Tsirekas “sought, and/or accepted benefits, as an inducement or reward for … dishonestly exercising his official functions to favour the interests of I-Prosperity Group and Joseph Chidiac” in relation to planning matters in Rhodes.
“Since 2015, I-Prosperity Group and Mr Chidiac have allegedly provided benefits, including overseas flights and accommodation, to Councillor Tsirekas, as a reward or inducement to favour their interests in relation to Council decisions regarding planning matters” in Rhodes, the ICAC said on Wednesday.
The commission is also investigating an allegation that that since 2021 Cr Tsirekas favoured the interests of Bilbergia Pty Ltd, Prolet Pty Ltd and Mr Chidiac, and that he failed to declare or manage any conflict of interest arising from his relationship with those parties.
In addition, it’s alleged that since 2015 Cr Tsirekas favoured the interests of Frank Bruzzano in relation to a DA in Drummoyne and that in 2011 he received a financial benefit from Francesco Colacicco in exchange for not revealing a conflict of interest.
Chief Commissioner Peter Hall QC will preside over the inquiry, which will start on April 26 and is expected to run for four weeks.
In a statement, Canada Bay said “Council is aware that the Independent Commission Against Corruption has announced that it is holding a public inquiry … with this inquiry being part of an investigation concerning the Mayor of the City of Canada Bay”.
The statement said Council was unable to make any further comment at this time.
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Local Government policy states that it is up to the individual Councillor to declare a conflict or pecuniary interest in a planning matter, which leaves an opportunity (by not declaring ) for corrupt behavior when voting for DA,s. Councillors and designated persons (senior staff and some committees) are also required to submit a yearly pecuniary interest return . . The IPC also have very informative documents explaining Councillors responsibilities, and its also concerning that senior staff would not be aware of questionable relationships forming between Councillors and Developers.
I’m often left with the same feelings/thoughts when I read matters such as this – why is there so much corruption in society, and what, if any, strategies are put into place to reduce corruption given it seems to be endemic..?