Auburn council threaten legal action against NSW government amid talks of suspension
Controversial Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer and his fellow councillors have threatened to take the New South Wales government to court as the council faces suspension.
Auburn City Council was given 14 days to explain why it should not be suspended after the NSW government announced a public inquiry into the western Sydney council.
The inquiry is investigating allegations that some councillors misused their position to benefit themselves or their relatives.
One example being investigated is an unused carpark that was sold to Mr Mehajer for millions of dollars less than its value.
The councillors voted to formally argue against being suspended at an emergency meeting last week but it's understood they failed to discuss why they should avoid the sack.
Auburn council’s submission stated that any suspension would be ‘invalid’.
“It would then be subject to legal challenge,” the statement said.
“To suspend the council before the inquiry is held and the results known indicates a pre-judgement on the part of the Minister.”
Mr Mehajer made yet headlines again on Monday when an international student accused the flamboyant deputy of transferring at least 11 demerit points onto his international licence.
The victim also claims Mr Mehajer tried to buy his silence.
Then, on Tuesday, 7 News revealed the councillor drastically lowered the value on his cars to avoid stamp duty at the RMS.
A Rolls Royce Silver Wraith that sells new for $645,000 was valued to the Roads and Maritime Services at $65,000.
A Ferrari 458 worth $526,000 was listed at $34,000 - that difference alone saving $24,000 in stamp duty.
Mr Mehajer responded to 7 News saying the information was ‘incorrect’.
“After the vehicles was repaired and resprayed "to white" Stamp duty was paid at $650,000.00,” he said.
And as for the Ferrari – “We have never owned a Ferrari 458 that was valued at $34,000”.
Mr Mehajer has been in the spotlight ever since his luxurious wedding in August.
On January 29, 2016, he was suspended from civic office for four months for failing to disclose his financial interests.
The decision may signal the end of Salim's political career with Auburn City Council.
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