At an extraordinary meeting on Monday 2 November 2026, all councillors in attendance supported the response. It follows a letter from Minister Ron Hoenig, received on 22 October, advising that he was considering using his powers under Section 438I of the Local Government Act 1993 to suspend the governing body for up to three months.

The Minister’s letter raised concerns about the conduct of council meetings, the repeated involvement of NSW Police in maintaining order, and the apparent deterioration of working relationships between councillors.

The council’s submission acknowledges the challenges in the chamber and accepts that improvement is required. It argues the council has continued to deliver, pointing to the implementation of council decisions, reductions in debt and staff vacancies, and the completion of long-awaited projects.

Instead of suspension, the submission proposes an Improvement Plan. It would include facilitated mediation and training for all councillors and the Mayor. The council also asks the Minister to appoint a temporary adviser to support the process and report back on progress.

Council also resolved that all councillors will sign a Good Conduct Undertaking, committing to take part in the Improvement Plan in good faith.

Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe was absent from the meeting, due to being overseas on an approved leave of absence.

The submission is due to the Minister by Friday 6 November 2026, as he required. It is not known when he will announce his decision.

The Minister has recently used the same power to suspend Clarence Valley Council for three months, with an interim administrator appointed.

The recording and minutes of the extraordinary meeting are available on the council’s website.