Perth mayor claims political interference

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi is refusing to stand down, and has accused the premier and opposition leader of political interference in a legal process.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has accused the premier and opposition leader of political interference in a legal process after they demanded her resignation over serious breaches of local government laws.

The State Administrative Tribunal found she had breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not disclosing accommodation and travel gifts, including a $16,000 package to the Beijing Olympics paid for by BHP Billiton.

Premier Mark McGowan renewed calls for her to resign and urged the council to pass a no-confidence motion if she refused, while opposition leader Mike Nahan also said her position was untenable.

But Ms Scaffidi refuses to quit, insisting she wants to wait until the SAT hands down its penalty, which she expects will be a suspension.

"That to me is political interference in the legal process that I find myself before," she told 6PR radio on Wednesday.

"I am holding firm on my view that like any citizen I am entitled to see through the process that they through their own state legislation have asked me to abide by."

Ms Scaffidi accepted the SAT findings, but said she had worked passionately for the City of Perth and achieved a lot from the trips she took.

She has not ruled out a possible appeal, and says she has faced trial by media.

"If I was to walk away at this point in time, I would never have a definitive outcome," she said.

Ms Scaffidi told ABC radio her integrity was intact.

"I am not being defiant or arrogant or dismissive of the breaches," she said.

"But I, like any citizen, am entitled to fair process through the legal system that we have operating.

"The political interference has been absolutely stultifying over the last two years."

Asked about commentary that she was being either brave, arrogant or delusional, Ms Scaffidi replied: "Let others make up their mind. Again, I can't worry about that."

"I'm not riding anything out. I am pursuing the truth as I know it."

At a council meeting on Tuesday night, only Jemma Green and Reece Harley refused to support Ms Scaffidi when councillors were asked if she should stand aside.


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Source: AAP



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