Property Developers And Agents are being ban for being local councilors In New South Wales. This is what Luke Foley, a leader of the Labor opposition, wants to happen.
The Guardians reports that aside from banning the Property Developers And Agents to run for government office, Luke Foley has urged the New South Wales government to "reverse" its decision to allow councilors to vote on "planning controls that could benefit them."
Foley also said that the ban should be legislated prior to the next incoming local government election in 2016. This call is boldly expressed by Foley in the middle of the Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer's controversy.
"Developers shouldn't be sitting in judgment of their own developments at a local government level - the conflict of interest is just too great," Luke Foley told the press on Monday.
The Mehajer's controversy came out when the Auburn's deputy mayor had a wedding extravaganza. The deputy mayor has "blocked off an entire street without authorization." Thus, it has caused scrutiny of his political and business agenda being a government official. The incident also has led Minister for local government, Paul Toole, to investigate Mehajer's action yet failed to win the support.
In a separate report of ABC, it says that Toole has given a statement saying that the there is a need for comprehensive change in the local government of NSW.
"We are undertaking an overhaul of the Local Government Act, including misconduct and pecuniary interests provisions," Mr Toole expressed his strong sentiment over the matter. Premier Mike Baird told the press last week that the issue has been part of the review already.
Obviously, not everyone is going for the reformation. Sally Betts, Liberal mayor of Waverley has commented towards the proposal of Luke Foley. According to the Liberal Mayor of Waverley, the proposal is unnecessary since there are councils including herself have taken steps to stay clear from having conflict of interest.