19 January 2011

Strathfield Mayor Tony Maroun today said Strathfield Council officer Michael Chau has agreed to take indefinite leave pending an inquiry by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Councillor Maroun said the ICAC inquiry follows Strathfield Council reporting to the ICAC an allegation of corrupt conduct.

He said Council will cooperate fully with the ICAC and provide whatever assistance is needed.

In legal notices placed in Sydney papers today, the ICAC confirmed plans to hold a public inquiry into allegations of corrupt conduct by Mr Chau, Manager of Community Services at Strathfield Council.

“Council has strict protocols and procedures in place in relation to these matters and is co-operating with the ICAC in this investigation,” Cr Maroun said.

“Council has a wide range of systems in place to ensure any possible corrupt conduct is identified and dealt with appropriately,” he said.

Cr Maroun said it is not appropriate to comment further while the matter is investigated by the ICAC.

The public inquiry will be held on 31 January 2011, at L21, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney.