The NSW corruption watchdog was believed to be in Tenterfield recently for a number of days.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), established by the NSW Government in 1989 in response to growing community concern about the integrity of public administration in NSW, was believed to be in Tenterfield from around November 15-18.
The Southern Free Times believed that ICAC spoke to a number of residents in relation to the Tenterfield Shire Council.
According to its website, the ICAC’s principal functions are to investigate and expose corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector, to actively prevent corruption through advice and assistance, and to educate the NSW community and public sector about corruption and its effects.
“The jurisdiction of the ICAC extends to all NSW public sector agencies (except the NSW Police Force) and employees, including government departments, local councils, members of Parliament, ministers, the judiciary and the Governor. The ICAC’s jurisdiction also extends to those performing public official functions.”
The Southern Free Times has been told that this was ICAC’s second or third visit to the town this year.
According to sources, there is a positive feel amongst community members that ICAC has become involved, believing a positive outcome for the town will result.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption was unable to confirm or deny whether they had visited Tenterfield.
The Southern Free Times had attempted to contact Tenterfield Shire Council general manager Jim Gossage on a number of occasions, but did not receive a call back by the time we went to print.
Story: Rebecca Brown