Lalich challenges view that caucusing is 'corrupt'
Katherine Fenech and Helise Reece
Fairfield Champion, Wed 5 March 2008

Mayor Nick Lalich has denied that Fairfield Council has any issues with being influenced by political donations.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption's (ICAC) investigation into the conduct of Wollongong Council, has raised debate and uncertainty about donations being made by political parties and the impact these donations may have on the decision making process.

The counsel assisting the ICAC investigation, Noel Hemmings' suggestion that caucusing was  a "corrupt activity" has also caused argument.

This week Minister and Fairfield MP Joe Tripodi was cleared of any wrong-doing in relation to the appointment of Joe Scimone to NSW Maritime.

The Commission found: "There was nothing to substantiate and allegation that Mr Tripodi interfered with merit selection procedures."

Premier Morris Iemma has now proposed reforms to the political donation process.

But Mr Lalich, who is a member of the ALP stronghold in Fairfield Council, said councillors made decisions "based on the information presented for our consideration".

He also disagreed with Mr Hemmings' views that making a decision before a debate could be corrupt. Caucusing did not leave Labor councillors open to bribes but could be perceived "in some quarters" as being corrupt, Mr Lalich said.

He added that caucus meetings included a debate.

"In a way there's a cucus or directive to the councillors through the council's independent panel who give us a recommendation on how to vote," Mr Lalich said.

Cr Lalich said there was no caucusing on development applications (DA), after a directive from the ALP head office and the Department of Local Government banned it.

But Liberal councillor Frank Oliveri said he believed that councillors caucusing on DA's "isn't policed by their head office".

Cr Lalich denied the claim.

Liberal councillor Joe Molluso confirmed the Liberal party held informal discussions about items on the council meeting agenda.

"However, I've known instances where positions have changed because of the debate that's occurred on the floor," Cr Molluso said.

Independent councillor Thang Ngo called for caucusing to end.

"We've seen what caucusing has led to in Wollongong," Cr Ngo said.

"Fairfield must ensure we not only do the right thing, but be seen by the community to be doing the right thing."