WA Local Government Minister David Templeman says embattled Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi should have continued to stand aside from office until her long-running expenses saga is completed.
Ms Scaffidi returned to work on Monday following a four-month absence, having successfully challenged her 18-month disqualification for failing to disclose third-party-funded travel and accommodation
The State Administrative Tribunal had found she breached the Local Government Act 45 times but the WA Court of Appeal overturned 26 adverse findings, leaving 19 breaches for which she is yet to be re-penalised in the tribunal.
Premier Mark McGowan and Mr Templeman have repeatedly called for Ms Scaffidi to quit, and on Tuesday Mr Templeman said the state government's view had not changed.
"We believe that this has been a very long, drawn-out process that I don't think has been good for the City of Perth's status," he told reporters.
"But I'm respecting the law, which still has to play out ... be it frustrating and elongated.
"I would have preferred that she continued to step aside until that process had been finalised. She's chosen not to, that's her decision."
Ms Scaffidi has said she can put her differences aside and work with the state government, insisting she knows what the city needs.
Mr Templeman said he wanted to see a fully functioning and dynamic City of Perth.
"I will work with anybody who is focused on good outcomes, positive outcomes for the City of Perth," he said.
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