❓ Mr. Templeman questions the Minister for Local Government about the delay in responding to the CCC report regarding the Lord Mayor of Perth. The Minister acknowledges the delay but states the department is investigating and prioritising the matter, emphasizing the need for thoroughness.
AnsweredQoN 111Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LORD MAYOR OF PERTH — CORRUPTION AND CRIME
COMMISSION REPORT
111. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN to the Minister
for Local Government:
I refer to the Corruption and Crime Commission
report titled ''Report on an Investigation into Acceptance and Disclosure
of Gifts and Travel Contributions by the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth''
released on 5 October 2015.
(1) Why has it taken over five months and we
have still not had a report from the minister's department in response
to the finding in this report?
(2) When will the minister receive the report
from his department and will he ensure that that report is made public?
COMMISSION REPORT
111. Mr D.A. TEMPLEMAN to the Minister
for Local Government:
I refer to the Corruption and Crime Commission
report titled ''Report on an Investigation into Acceptance and Disclosure
of Gifts and Travel Contributions by the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth''
released on 5 October 2015.
(1) Why has it taken over five months and we
have still not had a report from the minister's department in response
to the finding in this report?
(2) When will the minister receive the report
from his department and will he ensure that that report is made public?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question.
(1)–(2) For the record, the
Corruption and Crime Commission report was received in October 2015. I acknowledge
that it has taken a little bit of time—it has been five months—but
we have had Christmas and New Year in that time, so it has taken a little bit
longer to get to the bottom of it.
It
is clearly pointed out in the Local Government Act 1995 that in this situation
the department will do the investigation, and then go through that process. If
the member turns to the page in the Local Government Act, he will see it quite
clearly states that if a councillor does not declare gifts on their annual
return, there is a penalty in the Local Government Act that will be implemented
through a process.
There
is strong public interest in the possible outcome for the Lord Mayor, but I make
one point clear: it is in the hands of my department. The department is working
through it. I know it is a little bit frustrating for members in general, but
also, and more importantly, we have to get to the bottom of this. It will take
time. I have made it the top priority for my department to work through it.
Mr M. McGowan : Five months!
Mr A.J. SIMPSON : I cannot make it go any faster. It is out
of my hands; it is in the hands of my department. I have asked my director
general to make sure she makes it a top priority. I am confident —
Mr
D.A. Templeman interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Mandurah!
Mr A.J. SIMPSON : More importantly, it cannot be rushed; we
need to make sure we get it right.
(1)–(2) For the record, the
Corruption and Crime Commission report was received in October 2015. I acknowledge
that it has taken a little bit of time—it has been five months—but
we have had Christmas and New Year in that time, so it has taken a little bit
longer to get to the bottom of it.
It
is clearly pointed out in the Local Government Act 1995 that in this situation
the department will do the investigation, and then go through that process. If
the member turns to the page in the Local Government Act, he will see it quite
clearly states that if a councillor does not declare gifts on their annual
return, there is a penalty in the Local Government Act that will be implemented
through a process.
There
is strong public interest in the possible outcome for the Lord Mayor, but I make
one point clear: it is in the hands of my department. The department is working
through it. I know it is a little bit frustrating for members in general, but
also, and more importantly, we have to get to the bottom of this. It will take
time. I have made it the top priority for my department to work through it.
Mr M. McGowan : Five months!
Mr A.J. SIMPSON : I cannot make it go any faster. It is out
of my hands; it is in the hands of my department. I have asked my director
general to make sure she makes it a top priority. I am confident —
Mr
D.A. Templeman interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Mandurah!
Mr A.J. SIMPSON : More importantly, it cannot be rushed; we
need to make sure we get it right.
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