There’s no doubt the State Government has a full plate at the moment. 

The Housing Crisis is in full swing, Emergency Departments are at breaking point, and NSW Police are hard-pressed keeping the peace as war rages in the Middle East. 

Make no mistake, these are big challenges for Premier Chris Minns and his Ministers. 

So it’s significant that, in the middle of this Macquarie Street maelstrom, the administration of Kiama Council is (still) under scrutiny. 

In Budget Estimates last week, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig was pressed on Council’s efforts to get its house back in order and, in particular, its sale of local assets. 

“I want to be satisfied, not directly related to Blue Haven, but generally speaking whether or not the Council are getting a fair return for other assets that they are selling, or whether or not there is a fire sale of assets,” he said.

The Minister also revealed he had asked the Office of Local Government to look at “a range of matters” that had been brought to him recently with respect to Council. 

It couldn’t be clearer that this is a live political issue; the Minister is watching Council like a hawk.

In comments provided to the ABC, Council said locals have been “regularly informed on the divestment process”. 

“This includes clear and concise explanations of many aspects questioned again today and reinterpreted out of context during Budget Estimates,” a spokesperson said.

It's The Bugle’s strong view that scrutiny of Council’s divestment process is healthy. 

While The Bugle recognises Council’s genuine commitment to delivering its Strategic Improvement Plan, more transparency is always a good thing. So too is more accountability.

Like any other matter of public administration, the more people paying attention, the more likely it is that the right decisions will be made. 

Ratepayers deserve nothing less.

Do you know more? What do you think of this so-called ‘fire sale’ of assets? Give us your views and we will continue to ensure your voices are heard.