The NSW Office of Local Government has not responded to questions seeking details of workplace concerns described by Deputy Secretary Brett Whitworth PSM during a parliamentary Budget Estimates hearing.
Appearing before NSW Parliament on September 2, Mr Whitworth said he had met with Hawkesbury City Council’s then-acting general manager, now general manager Will Barton.
He said the general manager was dealing with “quite significant workplace health and safety concerns” arising from what he described as “fairly vigorous attacks on staff”.
Mr Whitworth called the reported conduct disgraceful and said he felt strongly about the approximately 65,000 people working in local government who wanted to provide services to their communities.
The hearing did not identify the incidents involved, who was allegedly responsible or whether the matters had been formally reported or independently investigated.
During the exchange, John Ruddick MLC said the alleged attacks were not coming from the Hawkesbury Gazette and suggested they might involve other members of the public. Mr Whitworth did not expressly confirm or reject that characterisation before continuing his answer.
Mr Whitworth also told the committee that he had written to Council advising that banning media was not an appropriate response and emphasising the need for openness and transparency.
Gazette seeks particulars
The Gazette wrote to the Office of Local Government on 3 September 2026, asking what evidence supported Mr Whitworth’s statement.
It asked whether the Office had received complaints, workplace incident reports, risk assessments, witness accounts or other correspondence concerning the alleged conduct.
The Gazette also asked whether the allegations had been independently verified or referred to SafeWork NSW, NSW Police, the United Services Union or another relevant organisation.
No response had been received at the time of publication. Any response received will be reported fairly and in context.
Council invited to respond
The Gazette separately asked General Manager Will Barton what matters he discussed with Mr Whitworth and what information he provided during their meeting.
Mr Barton was asked whether the reported attacks involved the Gazette or its representatives and, if so, what conduct was alleged and when it occurred.
Council imposed an exclusion notice on the Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio on April 28, 2026, citing conduct it said created an unacceptable health and safety risk to councillors and employees.
The notice referred to alleged disruptive conduct, harassment, social-media activity and reporting Council considered incorrect or defamatory. The Gazette disputes those allegations and has requested particulars and supporting evidence.
Council has described the exclusion as preventative and has not publicly identified a specific incident involving the Gazette that triggered it.
Mr Whitworth’s reference to attacks that “have been occurring” therefore leaves unclear whether he meant conduct involving the Gazette, other members of the public or unrelated workplace matters.
Council and Mr Barton were invited to respond. No response had been received at the time of publication.
SafeWork NSW investigation into Hawkesbury Council
The Gazette also asked whether Mr Whitworth and Mr Barton discussed a separate SafeWork NSW matter arising from allegations of councillor-on-councillor bullying at Hawkesbury City Council.
During the May 12 Council meeting, Cr Mike Creed spoke about alleged bullying and its effect on his mental health.
When the question of contacting SafeWork NSW was raised, Mr Barton said concerned parties could make a referral directly. The Gazette subsequently referred the matter to SafeWork.
The Gazette asked whether the workplace concerns mentioned by Mr Whitworth had also been referred to SafeWork NSW.
Clarification sought
Mr Whitworth’s evidence conveyed serious concern for Council employees but did not set out the incidents involved or identify who was allegedly responsible.
The Gazette does not dispute the importance of protecting Council employees from bullying, harassment, threats or other workplace risks. It has asked whether Mr Whitworth was referring to verified incidents, allegations reported by Council, public criticism of employees or conduct attributed to the Gazette.
The Office of Local Government and Hawkesbury City Council remain invited to respond.
The Office of Local Government and Hawkesbury City Council remain invited to respond.
The role of the NSW Office of Local Government
The Office of Local Government (OLG) is the New South Wales Government agency responsible for strengthening the sustainability, performance, integrity, transparency, and accountability of the local government sector across the State. NSW has approximately 3.6 million ratepayers and a population of about 8.7 million residents all directly and indirectly impacted by Local Councils.
Under Section 430 Investigations of the Local Government Act the Deputy Secretary of Local Government can investigate Council. The power concerns investigations into council operations and is generally used where council conduct is having a serious impact on the community. (olg.nsw.gov.au)
Disclosure
The Hawkesbury Gazette and its publisher are directly affected by Council’s exclusion notice.
The Gazette referred a WHS critical incident involving Hawkesbury City Councillors to SafeWork NSW which have commenced an investigation.
These disclosures are published so readers can assess the Gazette’s interest in the matters being reported.
Support is available: Lifeline 13 11 14. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 000.
Minister Local Government Hon Ron Hoenig MP and Hon John Ruddick MLC and Deputy Secretary Office of Local Government Brett Whitworth PSM discuss concerns with Hawkesbury Council at NSW Parliament Budget Estimates 2 September 2026
