Administrator Appointment
Mr Rik Hart is the Administrator for Central Coast Council, appointed by the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP. This followed the Minister’s announcement on 26 April 2021 of a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch.
The Council was suspended on 30 October 2020 and the formal inquiry meant that the local government elections scheduled for September 2021 were postponed until late 2022 for Central Coast Council, the date of which will be determined in consultation with the NSW Electoral Commission.
The Administrator acts as the Council, effectively replacing the role previously performed by the Mayor and Councillors. Mr Hart assumed the role of Administrator from Mr Dick Persson AM who had been in the role since October 2020.
On 17 March 2022, Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman tabled the report into the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council, and took action to terminate all suspended Councillors, effective immediately.
For information about the role of an Administrator, please read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Administrator’s Reports
- Administrator’s 30 Day Interim Report - 2 December 2020
- Administrator’s 3 Month Progress Report – 3 February 2021
- Administrator’s Final Report – 15 April 2021
- Administrator's Message - Central Coast Council Public Inquiry Report - 17 April 2022
Administrator's Columns and Media Releases
Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the community have a say in decisions made by the Administrator?
Yes. Engaging our community is a core responsibly of local government and this ongoing dialogue with our community will continue. For more information about community consultation at Central Coast Council, please visit yourvoiceourcoast.com
Why is Central Coast Council in administration?
On 26 April 2021 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP announced a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council to be led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch. This follows a suspension order of the Central Coast Council issued by the Minister on 30 October 2020.
What is the role of the Administrator?
The Administrator constitutes the Council and, must perform all the functions, powers and duties of the Council, which must be treated as if they were performed by the Council. The Administrator will effectively act as the Mayor and the Councillors. This means the Administrator will conduct the Council Meetings and undertake the administrative, civic and ceremonial functions of the governing body.
What is the outcome of the Public Inquiry?
On 17 March 2022, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP, tabled the report into the Public Inquiry of Central Coast Council.
Commissioner Roslyn McCullouch made eight recommendations, including that an Administrator be appointed to serve until the Central Coast Council (CCC) election, the date of which will be determined by the Minister for Local Government in consultation with the NSW Electoral Commission.
What happened to Councillors? Will they still get paid?
Councillors are suspended from office and as such are not entitled to exercise the functions of civic office or receive any fee or other remuneration. Councillors who are suspended have the same rights as any other member of the public.
How long is the administration period?
The Council has been in administration since 30 October 2020. The administration period is likely to continue until late 2022. The formal inquiry now means that the local government elections scheduled for September 2021 will be postponed until late 2022 for Central Coast Council.
How do residents raise concerns when there are no Councillors to represent them?
The Administrator is here for residents to contact and engage with. The role acts as the Council and undertakes the responsibilities of the Mayor and Councillors representing the interests of residents and our communities. You can contact the Administrator by:
Email - theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Post - PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250
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