NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig today confirmed the immediate dismissal of Mayor Angelo Tsirekas from City of Canada Bay Council and his disqualification from civic office for a period of five years.
Minister Hoenig said he had considered the report from the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) Operation Tolosa and formed the view from the evidence contained in the report that Mr Tsirekas could no longer continue in office, as to do so would have impacted upon the public confidence in the integrity of the council.
Mr Tsirekas has been suspended from office since November 9 after ICAC found that he had engaged in serious corrupt conduct between November 2015 and February 2019 and recommended he be suspended.
“The immediate dismissal and disqualification of Mr Tsirekas is necessary to protect the public standing of the council, and local government generally,” Mr Hoenig said in a statement.
There are processes in place that will enable City of Canada Bay councillors to fill the now vacant position of mayor for the remainder of the council’s current term.
The potential prosecution or otherwise of a number of people mentioned in the ICAC report is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
