Charter chance for change

Experts from a range of professions and areas of expertise have been drafting the charter for ethics and good governance with the goal of empowering the community in the wake of the ICAC corruption scandal. Secretary of Wollongong Against Corruption, Graham Larcombe, said the charter was about “cleaning up the culture of corruption” and that a groundswell of support for changes to the way local governments operate was building across the state.

Anti-corruption campaigner John Hatton, a previous member of ICAC’s parliamentary oversight committee said the charter could have widespread applications beyond the Illawarra.

“There is every indication that a grass roots movement is emerging in NSW and it is being pioneered here in Wollongong,” Mr Hatton said.

“I think that Wollongong is leading the way and that this crisis has brought out the best in those people who want to change things – not just for Wollongong, but for local government across NSW.

“Wollongong now has every chance to come from the bottom of the pile to the top – and to set an example.”

Ex-ICAC Commissioner and planner John Mant said he supports the charter and is a critic of current planning legislation.

He said apathy in the community had contributed towards allowing “hacks” into local council.

Ideas underpinning the charter will be discussed at an upcoming statewide inaugural Making Community Democracy Work conference on August 16, which will take place at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.

Keynote speakers will include Mr Hatton and Mr Mant, as well as social activist and environmentalist Jack Mundey.

Mr Hatton said the ICAC scandal has only exposed the “tip of a big iceberg”. To book for the conference call Ray on 0412 464 044.