Ministerial Statement

BURNSIDE CITY COUNCIL

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement about the recent resignation of the CEO of the City of Burnside and his reported reasons for resigning.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I am aware that the CEO (Neil Jacobs) recently tendered his resignation, to take effect late August. Media reports suggest that Mr Jacobs 'resigned over a harassment case' and that 'his ability to provide a safe workplace free from harassment and bullying had been compromised'. I am also aware that a defamation action is currently being taken by several members of the council's Development Assessment Panel against a member of the council. Obviously, as the minister responsible for local government, I am very concerned about these matters.

There appears to be a continued deterioration in the relationship between various council parties that may not be conducive to good decision-making and may not be in the best interests of the elected body, its administration or the community the council represents and serves. Given these circumstances, I have written to the mayor today to notify her that I have directed my officers from the Office of State/Local Government Relations to meet with the mayor and other officers, as required, to discuss these matters before advising me whether there are any grounds for a formal investigation under the act. I have urged that the initial meeting occur expeditiously.

As members would know, under section 272 of the Local Government Act 1999, the minister may appoint an investigator or investigators to carry out an investigation of a council if the minister has reason to believe:

That a council has contravened or failed to comply with a provision of this or another act; or

That a council has failed to discharge a responsibility under this or another act; or

That an irregularity has occurred in the conduct of the affairs of a council in relation to matters arising under this or another act.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I do not believe that any breaches in legislation that have occurred have been brought to my attention.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Clearly, the opposition is not interested in these most important matters. There are internal dynamics within the council that add further complexity to the situation. However, it is vital that due process is afforded to all parties.