Corruption claims against David Rowe dismissed

It concluded that there was no evidence to support corrupt conduct and also advised Mr Rowe that no further action was warranted by the Commission.

Mr Rowe in response to the ICAC report told the Tribune that he was disappointed in having had to go through the process. 

“I am disappointed that the issues were raised in the first place but I am satisfied with ICAC’s response to the issue confirming that there has been no corrupt conduct,” he said.

The General Manager submitted the list of complaints to ICAC, which were brought forward by local resident Touie Smith Senior, according to February's council minutes.

Mr Smith was said to have circulated the allegations by a former staff member who had initially lodged the same complaints to ICAC in 2011. With the allegations having resurfaced again in 2014, Mr Rowe forwarded his report to finally resolve the matter. 

He is confident that all the issues that have been raised have been appropriately managed by Yass Valley Council.

“There has been much coverage and public discussion via traditional and social media, and the response was seen as necessary to clarify many of the issues that have been circulating and to provide factual information.”

In the February council minutes Mr Rowe responded in depth via report to a document by Mr Smith labelled ‘Smith propaganda’.

The report reads 'There has been considerable misinformation distributed throughout the local community by Mr Touie Smith Snr; the latest being his eight page propaganda flyer posted to residents titled “Council can’t be trusted with the truth our money or our future”.’ 

‘Some of what he has stated is simply false, in other cases he has been selective about the information provided, resulting in a misrepresentation of the facts all of which have been compiled to discredit the General Manager and Council with scurrilous attacks on the Mayor and the General Manager.’

Although given his recent attention, Mr Rowe is confident that this has not undermined his position at the Yass Valley Council.

“My role is to ensure that Council operations are efficient and effective.” 

“I will continue to apply my attention to this task and trust that members of the public are able to make their own judgement on the achievements and operations of Council.”