BURNSIDE COUNCIL

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:39): I address my questions to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations:

1. Is the government currently paying Mr Ken MacPherson to undertake investigations or other tasks in relation to Burnside Council?

2. What is the investigation or task on which Mr MacPherson is engaged?

3. Is Mr MacPherson engaged in finalisation of the report currently the subject of proceedings in the courts or another task?

4. When is the investigation or task due to be completed?

5. What is the estimated cost of the investigation or task?

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for Gambling) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his question. I think most members would be aware of legal action concerning the investigation into the Burnside Council, lodged by a number of plaintiffs, regarding the draft report. I am advised that a directions hearing took place on 17 February and that at that hearing dates were allocated for a hearing before the Full Court on 10 and 11 March. As that matter is before the court, I do not believe it is appropriate for me to speculate on it. The work of the investigator, Mr MacPherson, has been suspended as of 4 February this year pending the outcome of the legal proceedings currently before the court.