Local Pulse Press

11/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 13

On Day 13 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Mr Shayne Mallard Former Director City Futures LCC

"For Liverpool residents, Mallard’s political connections, particularly with John Ajaka (who testified earlier about his CEO role at the council), highlight a network of relationships that could influence council governance. As ratepayers, we must consider whether such ties impact decision-making or leadership transitions at the council, potentially prioritizing personal or political alliances over the best interests of our community."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-13-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Mr Mallard’s testimony on Day 13 focused on his extensive background in local government and his specific roles at Liverpool

10/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 12

On Day 12 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC

Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 12 focused on events leading up to a council meeting on 24 April 2024, specifically addressing his awareness of union-organized staff meetings and rumors of 150 job losses at Liverpool City Council.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-12-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 12 focused on events leading up to a council meeting on 24 April 2024, specifically

09/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 11

On Day 11 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC

Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 11 centered on his early days as CEO of Liverpool City Council, starting in December 2022, focusing on his interactions with senior directors, terminations with ex gratia payments, and his efforts to address a toxic workplace environment.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-11-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Mr Ajaka’s testimony on Day 11 centered on his early days as CEO of Liverpool City Council, starting in December

08/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 10

On Day 10 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Dr Eddie Jackson Former CEO LCC continued.

Dr Jackson’s testimony on Day 10 focused heavily on the Civic Place Project, a significant development initiative by Liverpool City Council, addressing its scope, financial risks, and the challenges he faced during his tenure as CEO.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-10-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

On Monday, 28 July 2025, the public inquiry into Liverpool City Council progressed to its tenth day of hearings in

07/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 9

On Day 9 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Dr Eddie Jackson Former CEO LCC.

Dr Jackson’s evidence on Day 9 provided a historical perspective on his time at Liverpool City Council, covering his roles, the political shifts during his tenure, and specific events around leadership transitions.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-9-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Dr Jackson’s evidence on Day 9 provided a historical perspective on his time at Liverpool City Council, covering his roles,

06/10/2025

LCC PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 8

On Day 8 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence continued to be given by Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC.

Mr Ajaka’s continued testimony on Day 8 delved into the tense period before the termination of his employment, focusing on interactions and communications within the council around April 2024. Here are the main points for residents and ratepayers.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-8-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Mr Ajaka’s continued testimony on Day 8 delved into the tense period before the termination of his employment, focusing on

06/10/2025

TODAY IS ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY.

Thank You for the reminder Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone.

05/10/2025

PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 7

On Day 7 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Mr John Ajaka Former CEO LCC

Key Issues included Mr Ajaka’s evidence on Day 7 which focused on his appointment as CEO, his background, and the circumstances leading to his role at Liverpool City Council.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-7-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Local Pulse is keeping track of every development to provide you with a straightforward, easy-to-follow summary of the issues that

04/10/2025

PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 6

On Day 6 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Vishwah Nadan Chief Financial Officer LCC.

Key Issues included Mr Nadan’s evidence on Day 6 which zeroed in on the council’s financial health, budget forecasts, and the measures being taken to address ongoing deficits.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-6-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Apologies for the delay in posting our Day 6 review. Matters relating to confidentiality meant that the transpcript was withheld

03/10/2025

PUBLIC HEARINGS RECAP - DAY 5

On Day 5 of the Public Hearings as part of the Public Inquiry of Liverpool Council we saw evidence given by Farooq Portelli Director Corporate Services LCC.

Key Issues addressed by Mr Portelli included the significant increase in Code of Conduct complaints from an average of around 5 per year to over 115 lodged by June 2025.

The most alarming part of Mr Portelli’s testimony came during questioning by Ms K Richardson SC, counsel for Mayor Ned Mannoun, about the council’s budget process for 2024. Mr Portelli confirmed that in the lead-up to the budget going on public exhibition around 14 May 2024, then-CEO John Ajaka gave directions on what to include, such as the sale of a property at 3 Hoxton Park Road. This addition, added at the last minute per Ajaka’s instruction, turned a projected deficit into a surplus, raising questions about timing and intent. More shockingly, Mr Portelli claimed that in March 2024, Ajaka called him into his office and directed him to use “creative accounting” to find $25 million for the budget. Portelli refused to follow this direction, standing firm against what he saw as improper financial manipulation.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE USING THE LINK BELOW

https://localpulse.press/public-inquiry-into-liverpool-city-council-day-5-updates-for-local-residents/



Liverpool City Council Australia
89.3 2GLF Your Local Station
Michael Andjelkovic - Independent Campaigner
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Councillor Peter Harle
Liverpool Council Shenanigans
Liverpool Community Independents Team

Mr Portelli’s evidence on Day 5 wrapped up some loose ends from last week and delved into new, troubling areas

03/10/2025

Another matter going to the Supreme Court costing Taxpayers more money. After two years of protests the cost to taxpayers is up over $13 million dollars and rising.