Saturday, March 09, 2002

FAIRFIELD COUNCIL INQUIRY NEEDS TEETH AND BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

An Inquiry by the State government into alleged improper influence on the Fairfield Council by Mr Phuong Ngo risked been dismissed as a "toothless" unless it is given stronger powers said one of the three Fairfield councillors who asked for the Inquiry.

UNITY party Fairfield councillor Thang Ngo said the Inquiry, announced yesterday by the Minister for local government, the Hon Harry Woods MP, did not have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath and investigators currently are only speaking to Fairfield Councillors and Council staff.

"The public should be able to come forward with any relevant information" said Cr Ngo.

"Importantly, interviews should be public so that Fairfield residents and other interested parties may attend.

"An open and transparent Inquiry process is the best way to restore public confidence in the aftermath of this witch hunt.

"I have nothing to hide and would warmly welcome the opportunity to give evidence under oath and in public".

Cr Ngo made these suggestions today, in a fax to the Minister for Local Government.

"There’s no point in the government talking tough about dismissing our council and raising the possibility of throwing us in gaol if the Inquiry is toothless and does not have public confidence" concluded Cr Ngo.