Overview
- Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig told parliament he pressed the Office of Local Government to act on the Bayside matter, citing what he called overwhelming evidence of corruption and serious misconduct and concern about timing before an election.
- His remarks follow secret evidence from OLG deputy secretary Brett Whitworth alleging Hoenig raised the case five times and urged acceleration tied to a looming Labor preselection, which Whitworth protested as improper.
- Hoenig’s Tuesday comments referenced the preselection timeline, contrasting with his earlier budget estimates denials that he discussed preselections with Whitworth six weeks prior.
- The OLG confirmed it reached an agreed statement of facts with former Bayside mayor Bill Saravinovski, leading to a joint submission that resulted in an NCAT reprimand in February rather than suspension or disqualification.
- Premier Chris Minns defended Hoenig’s push for a prompt referral, while Greens MP Kobi Shetty called the allegations deeply troubling and urged a full, transparent inquiry; Saravinovski is due in court on November 20 on charges of giving misleading evidence to ICAC.