NSW councils face scrutiny over car bomb, mayoral vote spending and council feuds

A NSW budget estimates hearing exposed a string of unsettling incidents across state councils. A vehicle belonging to the husband of Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed was fire-bombed, raising questions about council-funded security and its approval process. In Waverley Council, a private contractor was hired for almost $5,000 to manage the mayor and deputy mayor election among 12 councillors, a move the minister described as unprecedented.

Additional concerns included a councillor charged - later dismissed - for threatening a colleague, soaring legal costs tied to apprehended violence orders, and a Hawkesbury City Council dispute over journalist access and a $4,000 technology expense. Minister Ron Hoenig said the Office of Local Government could examine any improper spending and warned that long-dormant financial surcharge powers might soon be used. He emphasized that elected councillors, not bureaucrats, are responsible for council decisions.