Yesterday, Liverpool council's Liberal mayor and Liberal councillors reaffirmed their decision to dismiss the CEO, the Hon. John Ajaka. This decision follows a series of chaotic events which led to the Minister for Local Government of New South Wales launching an investigation into Liverpool's council several weeks ago-amongst other things, about handling of staff matters. But the mayor used his casting vote, not waiting for the inquiry to report. Today, however, I do wish to pay tribute to Mr Ajaka's time at Liverpool council. I had forged a good relationship with Mr Ajaka through our shared aspirations for the betterment of our city. I know that Mr Ajaka was working to improve our city; to support council staff, who he cared for deeply; and to make Liverpool the powerhouse in the region it should rightfully be.
I believe there will be ongoing legal argument about this decision-disappointingly, because it will cost the ratepayers dearly again. The changing of the CEO is not an insignificant matter; it can impact on the effectiveness of a council and cost ratepayers money in payout for legal fees and stalled decision-making. Our parks are overgrown, our roads are plagued by potholes and our streets are littered with rubbish. I'm hoping the elections in September restore a functional council; ratepayers deserve no less.
