Shoalhaven City Council will undergo significant changes in its appointing process due to the controversial appointment of Andrew Constance, a former member of the New South Wales Parliament. The NSW Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig, has indicated that the council will be issued a performance improvement order (POI), mandating the local government to enhance transparency and impartiality in future senior positions recruitment. This decision comes in the wake of an inquiry into the council's hiring practices, particularly the appointment of Constance, who was a prominent member of the Liberal Party and held various ministerial roles prior to his current position.

The New South Wales government aims to oversee the recruitment process at the Shoalhaven Council to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and ensure that the hiring of senior officials meets ethical standards. The call for a POI reflects broader concerns about governance within the council and the implications of political appointments in local government settings. Mr. Hoenig has provided a timeline, requiring the council to submit a response within 14 days, raising the stakes as they navigate this challenging situation.

This development underscores the tension between political patronage and community expectations for accountability in local governance. As the Shoalhaven City Council faces these challenges, residents and stakeholders will be closely observing how the council addresses these governance issues and what changes will be made to restore public trust in its leadership appointments.