Perth Voice Interactive

FROM January 2008 to October 2015, Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi found the time to take 65 overseas and 47 interstate trips: that’s 112 in seven years, an average of 15 a year.

Along the way, according to a damning new report by the WA local government department, she allegedly broke the law 45 times.

Ironically, the lord mayor’s many trips were often billed as promoting the capital city and building its brand. But type “Scaffidi Perth” into Google and the search page is littered with tales of scandal.

Despite the department’s allegations, which follow a six-month probe and which are now being referred to the powerful state administrative tribunal for yet another investigation, Ms Scaffidi is refusing to stand aside.

At a media conference to respond to the department’s findings, Ms Scaffidi told journalists “I’ve been heartbroken by what I’ve had to stand by and watch,” and said, “it is my view that at all times I was acting within the guidelines and procedures of the City of Perth.”

The WA crime and corruption commission last year made similarly damning findings about her travels and alleged failures to declare gifts, including from companies with business before the council.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan says it’s time for Ms Scaffidi to go, as does neighbouring Vincent mayor John Carey, but premier Colin Barnett says it’s not up to him to make that call.

Ms Scaffidi gave the department several reasons why she shouldn’t face disciplinary action, including:

• non-disclosure was inadvertent and due to “manifestly inadequate systems”;

• all travel (except Press Council trips) was undertaken in her official capacity as lord mayor “and solely for the advancement of the city”;

• she’s dedicated to her role and contributes to the changing economic, social and cultural landscape of Perth;

• she’s already suffered reputational, emotional and financial damage caused by the department’s inquiry and the CCC report;

• plenty of others are doing it, including “other members and city staff”;

• she’s made repeated public apologies.

The department’s report says most “bear no relevance” to the public interest test that decides whether to pursue disciplinary action.

“Enough is enough, this is now farcical,” says John Carey from neighbouring Vincent.

“We have had a CCC report which found that she engaged in serious misconduct, we have a department of local government review that makes 45 alleged breaches of the local government act, and now we have the SAT hearing.

“Why is it that there appears to be one standard for the lord mayor and another standard for every other resident?

“If anyone else in their work was found to have done serious misconduct would they not be suspended during an investigation, or more likely let go?

“This is about the integrity of the office of lord mayor: she must resign, she must resign now.”

Ms Scaffidi’s description of her council as a leader of accountability also has Mr Carey fuming, given she’d recently opposed his reform attempts.

“To make the claim that she’s a leader of transparency and accountability is extraordinary,” he says.

Mr Carey’s been trying to push all councils to accept measures such as online gift and travel registers, and a public register that shows when elected members meet developers.

Ms Scaffidi had said, “an efficient mayor’s diary would also provide the same result without duplication” but Mr Carey notes a mayor’s diary is not publicly available.

Perth city councillor Reece Harley, who stood against Ms Scaffidi at last October’s lord mayoral election, wants her to carefully consider her future.

“While I respect that SAT processes must be followed, this could take years to resolve,” he says.

“It is my personal view that Lisa Scaffidi should put the reputation of the City of Perth and the office of the lord mayor ahead of all other personal considerations.

“My publicly stated view following the release of the CCC report was that if I were in Lisa’s position, I would have stood down, and that remains my view.”

by DAVID BELL