Half the councils identified as having buildings possibly contaminated with dangerous cladding are yet to carry out inspections.

Following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London last year, which claimed the lives of 72 people, the NSW Government established a Cladding Taskforce led by Fire and Rescue NSW.

As part of the investigations, 185,000 buildings were reviewed and 38 councils across the state were issued with legal notices requiring them to inspect local buildings which could contain flammable cladding.

Despite the seriousness of the findings, 19 have yet to carry out inspections or lodge any reports.

“This is absolutely reckless and dangerous behaviour, it’s absolutely appalling,” Better Regulation­ Minister Matt Kean tells Ben Fordham.

Mr Kean has slammed Blacktown Council’s Mayor, Stephen Bali, saying “how slack can you get when you’re speaking about people’s lives?”

“He hasn’t even been bothered to respond to a legal letter from NSW Fire and Rescue asking them just to do their job.

“What could be more important than keeping residents safe in the home?

“It’s an absolute disgrace!”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview