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The local government watchdog has accused a Sydney mayor of an abuse of power for using a council vote to quash allegedly defamatory comments about him and others on social media.
Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne is fighting potential suspension over allegations he failed to declare a significant non-pecuniary interest during a motion to force an apology from two councillors regarding the Facebook posts he claimed painted him and other councillors as corrupt.
Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne is fighting allegations he breached conflict of interest rules.
Credit:Edwina Pickles
Office of Local Government barrister Matthew Cobb-Clark told a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing into the alleged breach and other related claims, that by moving the March 2019 motion, Councillor Byrne sought to use his public office to obtain a private benefit in procuring an apology from the pair after his lawyers had already sent them legal letters over the posts.
Abuse of power : Inner West mayor fights possible suspension
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Abuse of power : Inner West mayor fights possible suspension
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