Embattled Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has returned to work after a four-month absence over her long-running expenses saga, saying she knows what the city needs.
But a senior government minister says she is surprised to see Ms Scaffidi back in the role after the WA premier repeatedly called for the lord mayor to quit last year.
Ms Scaffidi successfully challenged her 18-month disqualification after the State Administrative Tribunal found she breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not disclosing third party-funded travel and accommodation.
She temporarily stood down in September, and three months later the WA Court of Appeal overturned 26 adverse findings.
The SAT is yet to determine a new penalty for 19 breaches she did not appeal.
Ms Scaffidi on Monday refused to answer questions about the SAT matter, but said she felt no bitterness and was keen to focus on the city's needs.
Local Government Minister David Templeman and Premier Mark McGowan have repeatedly called for Ms Scaffidi to resign, but the lord mayor insists she can still work with them.
"That says more about them than it says about me. I am a professional individual and I can certainly put my differences aside and get on with the job at hand," she told reporters.
"I am apolitical and I do come to the table with great experience and knowledge on what the city does need."
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti told reporters she was surprised the lord mayor had returned to work.
"I think the views of our government are very clear and the premier has made his views very clear," she said.
"Ultimately, we need to work with the City of Perth ... I want a constructive relationship."
Despite previous conflict between Ms Scaffidi and other councillors, including Reece Harley and James Limnios, she said about 95 per cent of council decisions were unanimous so there was no issue with her lacking majority support.
"There's no bad blood on my part. I'm very keen to return to work. I'm a very fair person and I will continue to operate professionally," she said.
"If you are an informed councillor and you are speaking to your stakeholders, alignment will come about the needs of what individuals want in a city.
"I don't believe that a majority are opposed to me, I believe that they will see that I am a very professional operator, I allow everyone to speak when they need to speak and I'm just chairing the meetings."
Ms Scaffidi also clarified that she was not on full pay during her absence and was only receiving an honorarium.
