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) (14:24): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement about the investigation into the Burnside City Council.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: As members would be aware, on 22 July 2009 I announced a formal investigation under section 272 of the Local Government Act 1999. I appointed Mr Ken MacPherson as the independent investigator and asked him to report to me by 31 October 2009. At the time, I said that I wanted the investigator to report to me as quickly as possible, but did indicate that if Mr MacPherson requested more time, or assessed that he needed more time to do the job thoroughly, I would consider those needs.

I have recently received a letter from Mr MacPherson outlining the processes he has undertaken to date and providing me with details of the size and substance of the work required to investigate this matter thoroughly. He advised that to date the investigation team has:

received between 60,000 and 65,000 pages of documentation requiring scrutiny by him and legal counsel assisting;

received 40 submissions in response to the public advertisements;

conducted seven formal interviews, taking on average six hours; and

estimated that a further 25 formal interviews may need to be conducted and a further 25 persons of interest may be invited to be interviewed.

Mr MacPherson indicated that, as the terms of reference cover a wide range of areas, it was not possible at the outset to anticipate the time required to undertake this substantial work. As such, he indicated that it is likely that the investigation process will require another four months to complete and to ensure procedural fairness is afforded to those who may be named in his report.

As honourable members know, Mr MacPherson is a highly experienced and credentialled investigator, and I am confident that his assessment of the work required is an accurate one. Having carefully considered his request, I have consented to an extension of time to ensure that this independent investigation is comprehensive and unfettered by the pressure of time. I am adamant that this investigation must be conducted to the highest standard to ensure that all matters pertaining to the terms of reference are considered thoroughly.

In relation to costs, I am aware that a figure of $250,000 has been estimated. Obviously, the extension of time may push these costs further, but this government believes that, given the importance of the issues being considered, the expenditure is warranted.