Inquiry into the closure of I Cook Foods Pty Limited

Second Terms of Reference

Self-referenced by the Committee on 24 June 2021

That due to:

(a) the new evidence that was made public in relation to the inappropriate closure of I Cook Foods; and
(b) that this new evidence contradicts the testimony provided by senior officials in the Victorian Government and City of Greater Dandenong;

the Legal and Social Issues Committee re-open the Inquiry into the closure of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd and report by 14 October 2021.    

Initial Terms of Reference

Self-referenced by the Committee on 3 June 2020

That the Legal and Social Issues Standing Committee Inquire into, consider and report, by 30 July 2020, on the forced closure in February 2019 of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd, including —

(1) actions undertaken by Department of Health and Human Services and the City of Greater Dandenong, its Chief Executive Officer and Council officers, for decisions made which led to the forced closure of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd;

(2) whether any breaches of law and regulation by, or shortcomings of, government officials led to the forced closure of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd;

(3) whether any conflict of interest arose during the City of Greater Dandenong’s investigation, reporting and subsequent closure of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd;

(4) the administration and management of Community Chef since January 2015, including the plans for the City of Greater Dandenong to sell its share of Community Chef and the plans for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to purchase a greater share of Community Chef; and

(5) any other matters relating to the forced closure of I Cook Foods Pty Ltd.