Representatives of the Hawkesbury Gazette have been banned from attending all Hawkesbury City Council meetings and premises, in a move that raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of local media in the Hawkesbury.
The decision, outlined in a letter dated 28 April 2026 and signed by Mayor Les Sheather and Acting General Manager Will Barton, cites obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).
The letter claims the exclusion follows "a review of numerous incidents" and alleges behaviour that "created a risk to the health and safety of Councillors and staff," including what Council describes as disruptive conduct and harassment.
Sweeping exclusion
The ban is broad and immediate. It prevents attendance at all Council meetings, including ordinary and committee sessions, and all Council premises. It also extends beyond the individual to include employees, agents, or contractors of the associated media outlet.
Council states that any attempt to attend meetings will be treated as trespass, with the possibility of police involvement or legal action.
Council cites social media and reporting
In the letter, Council points to social media commentary it says amounts to harassment; reporting it claims contains “defamatory imputations” and allegations of “factually incorrect information” about Council business.
It also alleges attempts to influence Council decision-making in a manner it describes as “agenda and person-based bullying.”
While specific information on stories published by the Gazette supporting the allegation made above have not been provided recently the Mayoral Minute regarding the Deputy Mayor attendance on a trade delegation trip to India; the mayoral minute awarding the resigning General Manager $340,000 payout of her employment contract and the challenging of a Council good news story regarding the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Pool as a likely future financial black hole to rate payers allegely has spurred this response.
Media freedom concerns raised
The move is likely to spark concern across the Hawkesbury community, particularly given the Gazette’s role as a local media outlet attending meetings on behalf of residents.
While Council maintains it has a duty to ensure workplace safety, the exclusion of media representatives from public meetings raises questions about public access to local government proceedings; transparency in decision-making and the ability of independent media to scrutinise Council.
The letter confirms that while physical attendance is banned, written correspondence may still be submitted to Council.
Council has offered a limited avenue for review, allowing the decision to be challenged in writing within 14 days. However, the exclusion remains in force during any review process.
Community implications
The decision comes at a time when confidence in local governance is already under pressure, with ongoing debates about transparency, infrastructure, and community representation across the Hawkesbury.
For many residents, the key question is not simply whether Council has the power to act but whether this action strengthens or undermines public trust.
This issue is expected to escalate, with potential implications not only for Council governance but for the broader relationship between local government and independent media.
Gazette Statement on Council Exclusion Notice
The Hawkesbury Gazette acknowledges receipt of correspondence from Hawkesbury City Council dated 28 April 2026 regarding the exclusion of a Gazette representative from Council meetings and premises.
We take this matter seriously.
As a local, community-focused publication, the Gazette exists to inform residents, support transparency, and ensure that decisions affecting the Hawkesbury are open to public scrutiny.
We firmly reject any characterisation that our reporting or engagement is intended to harass or intimidate. Our role is to ask questions, report facts, and reflect community concerns particularly where those concerns relate to governance, accountability, and public interest.
Council meetings are a critical forum for democratic participation. Excluding a media representative from those meetings raises important issues not just for the Gazette, but for the broader community’s right to be informed.
We note that Council has relied on its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act. While the safety of all participants in public life is essential, it is equally important that such provisions are applied appropriately and not in a way that limits legitimate scrutiny or public interest reporting.
Next steps
The Gazette has carefully reviewed the basis of the decision and is considering its options, including seeking a formal review.
The Gazette has written to Council seeking further and better particulars regarding the ban. Council's letter and the Gazette response can be read here: Council Letter, Hawkesbury Gazette Response
The Gazette has also posed questions to the NSW Office of Local Government and sperately to the Minister for Local Government.
The Gazette has taken this approach specifically to protect ratepayers from Council racking up unnecessary legal costs by utilising existing Government independent oversight bodies to resolve this dispute. It is hoped that Council will accept the determinations of these bodies rather than spend public money resisting inquiries.
Commitment to the community
The Hawkesbury Gazette remains committed to accurate and responsible reporting; acting in the public interest; ensuring the community remains informed about matters affecting the region.
This matter goes beyond the Gazette. It concerns the fundamental principle that public institutions must remain open to scrutiny.
Further updates will be provided as the matter progresses.
