As businesses in Berala are dealing with the economic impact from the recent COVID-19

outbreak in our community, it was disappointing to see that Western Sydney and specifically Berala had been excluded from the State’s hardship grants being handed out to small businesses in the Northern Beaches.

Berala was the subject of one of the state’s latest

outbreaks but were left out of business recovery

measures with NSW Finance and Small Business Minister, Damien Tudehope describing the area as a non “tourist destination.”

It’s true that Berala isn’t a beachside community that attracts backpackers or international tourists, but it’s a community that was hit hard financially by the recent outbreak and many businesses were forced to close during the Christmas period. We are people too. Grant assistance should not

be determined by dollar status. The fact that

Cumberland City Council, went above and beyond to assist the State Government and NSW Health to reach Berala residents with important COVID messaging around mask-wearing and testing during the recent outbreak, makes Mr Tudehope’s comments particularly disappointing.

Berala residents already experience chronic social economic disadvantage.

Our region deserves the same support to assist an economic recovery from COVID-19.

I will advocate on behalf of our businesses who must be included in the NSW Government COVID-19 Business Grants Assistance Package.

As Councillors and elected representatives,

we are accountable to ratepayers. Last year,

Cumberland City Council was made aware of

serious allegations concerning inappropriate

childcare expenses claims made by Councillor

Old Hamed. These claims warranted a full,

independent audit of all Councillor expenses

reimbursement claims.

The independent external audit found that for

approximately 25 hours claimed for childcare

reimbursement by Councillor Hamed in the first

half of 2018 no ‘official business’ could

be identified.

Limited records and justification were provided

by Councillor Hamed during the investigation

process to substantiate reimbursement claims.

Councillor Hamed’s telephone plan and

associated costs were also included in the

investigation and following the investigation,

I understand that Councillor Hamed has been

asked to repay more than $2,500 in bills,

which do not comply with the Councillor’s

expenditure policy. Findings from this independent investigation have now been referred to ICAC by Council’s General Manager.