❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the Minister regarding a Show Cause Notice issued to the Town of Cambridge, questioning potential action against departmental officers, protection for other local governments, and an independent investigation. The Minister defends the department's actions and refers to relevant legislation.
AnsweredQoN 6497Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 October 2020
Member
Portfolio
Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Minister’s comments that he “acted on the best departmental and legal advice that was available” to him when delivering the Show Cause Notice to the Town of Cambridge on 26 May 2020, and I ask: (a) Will the Minister be taking action against the Departmental officers who recommended a show cause notice; (b) What steps will the Minister take to ensure other local governments are adequately protected from the use of this power; and (c) Would the Minister support an independent investigation by the Ombudsman into the Department’s handling of the Show Cause Notice and continuing Authorised Inquiry into the Town of Cambridge?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 November 2020
Responded by
Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts
Response time
12 days
(a) No, that would be inappropriate and I refer the Member to section 105 and section 106 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA).
(b) The premise of this question is incorrect.
I disagree with the Members assertion that a show-cause notice is a misuse of the Ministers powers under the Local Government Act 1995 (WA).
(c) The Ombudsman may initiate an investigation of its own volition and it is not at the Ministers discretion.
(b) The premise of this question is incorrect.
I disagree with the Members assertion that a show-cause notice is a misuse of the Ministers powers under the Local Government Act 1995 (WA).
(c) The Ombudsman may initiate an investigation of its own volition and it is not at the Ministers discretion.
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