Minister threatens to suspend Moree council, dodges safety questions

Key points

• NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has threatened to suspend all of Moree Plains Shire Council for three months and appoint an interim administrator. The Minister's letter cites conduct at council meetings, repeated police involvement and strained relations between councillors.
• Mayor Susannah Pearse said the council would respond by 6 November and that an extraordinary meeting will be held on 2 November. The council is expected to argue strongly against suspension.
• Neither the Minister's office nor the Office of Local Government has explained why they did not act earlier to keep councillors and staff safe.