Where's Salim? Mehajer missing from urgent Auburn meeting
Embattled Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has failed to show up to an emergency council meeting held after the announcement of a public inquiry into his council.
The western Sydney council is being given two weeks to prove it should not be suspended.
The NSW government says a public inquiry will investigate allegations that a number of councillors misused their position to benefit themselves or their relatives.
Salim Mehajer gained attention after reportedly spending $200,000 on his wedding last year. Photo: 7News
Mehajer's over-the-top wedding put him in the spotlight last year. Photo: 7News
Seven Auburn City councillors held an informal meeting on Thursday to discuss the inquiry.
"Mr Mehajer was coming but decided not to because he didn't want to join the unwelcome media attention to the council," Councillor Irene Simms told AAP.
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She said the seven councillors unanimously agreed the council should remain in place while the investigation is conducted.
"Everyone seemed concerned ... we didn't even know this inquiry was coming, we had no warning," she said.
Pictured with his wife on his wedding day, Salim upset some residents when he closed off streets for the celebration. Photo: 7News
Ms Simms said she hoped the inquiry would come up with definitive answers.
"I just hope there's no more questions to be asked and we can get on with doing our jobs," she said.
It follows months of detailed allegations that several councilliors have been misusing their position for personal gain.
In 2012 the state government relaxed laws allowing councillors to vote on their own developments.
Immediately, Councillor Mehajer and fellow property developer, then-mayor Ronny Ouiek, voted to double building heights and increase densities, before constructing multi-million dollar blocks in Auburn and Lidcombe, all green-lighted by fellow councillors.
New mayor, Le Lam's brother-in-law is one of Salim Mehajer's business partners.. and two councillors own real estate agents.
All councillors are under scrutiny, but none as high-profile as Mr Mehajer.
The deputy mayor has a lengthy rap sheet, including 22 driving offences plus matters currently before the courts including alleged threats to kidnap a Lindt Siege survivor over an argument at a Burwood gym, allegations he forged documents in the 2012 Council elections and fallouts with contractors.
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