Perth mayor may face disciplinary action

Perth's Lord Mayor failed to disclose gifts and travel contributions in annual returns from 2008 to October 2015, and may face SAT proceedings.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi

The West Australian government may take legal action against Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi. (AAP)

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says she didn't deliberately fail to disclose gifts and corporate-funded travel over seven years, after the details were listed in a damning government report.

A Corruption and Crime Commission report last year exposed her non-disclosure, including a $US36,800 ($A50,297) BHP Billiton-funded trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, sparking a separate probe by the Department of Local Government and Communities.

The department's report was tabled in parliament on Tuesday, listing dozens of undeclared jaunts to the US, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and around Australia that she did not disclose in her annual returns.

The department's director-general has recommended starting proceedings in the State Administrative Tribunal, alleging Ms Scaffidi has committed serious breaches of the Local Government Act, and is seeking advice from the State Solicitor's Office.

Ms Scaffidi said she'd co-operate with the SAT if further action was taken, but insisted the omissions were a "technical mistake" and inadvertent "paperwork" errors.

Clearly disappointed the release of the long-awaited report was not the end of the matter, she told reporters she hoped it would have brought fuller closure.

"I thought there would have been a more definitive finding," Ms Scaffidi said.

And while opposition local government spokesman David Templeman said she should resign, Ms Scaffidi vowed to continue doing her elected duty, adding she was "more committed to the job than ever".

Ms Scaffidi was elected for a third term in October, despite the CCC forming opinions of serious misconduct against her.

"I don't believe there has been a loss of public confidence," she said.

According to the report, Ms Scaffidi was invited to attend a voluntary interview at the department's offices but declined, although she provided written submissions.

She said disciplinary action should not be taken, arguing her non-disclosure was due to "manifestly inadequate systems", and all travel was undertaken in her official capacity and solely for the advancement of the city.

She also highlighted the reputational, emotional and financial damage caused by the two separate investigations.

But the department said the number of undisclosed trips and hotel stays were substantial, and occurred over a significant period of time between January 2008 and October last year.


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Source: AAP



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