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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-06-22 Daily Xml
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BURNSIDE 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 for the City of Adelaide) (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief ministerial statement regarding the independent investigation into the City of Burnside.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I have recently received a letter from the investigator, Mr Ken MacPherson, providing me with an update on the status of his investigation. In that letter, Mr MacPherson advised me of his recent hospitalisation due to an illness and his expectation of a full recovery, including his return to work date of no later than 15 June.

Members would be aware that the investigator had previously been granted two extensions due, principally, to the wide terms of reference and the very large volume of material requiring examination, including information received late, which resulted in further work.

The priority for this government has been to ensure that the independent investigation is of the highest standard and that all matters pertaining to the terms of reference are properly examined and considered thoroughly. I was advised that sometime in December last year the investigator received additional information, which meant that some aspects of the investigation had to be reconsidered. I have also been advised that further new information was received by the investigator in February, which was also pertinent, requiring aspects of the investigation to be re-examined.

I have been informed that preparations for the natural justice component of the investigation are well advanced. Mr MacPherson has now informed me that, after contacting the individuals named in the report as part of the process, he envisages that a period of four to five weeks will be needed to complete that stage, and a further three weeks to finish his report. On that basis he expects to provide his report to me by mid to late August.

Mr MacPherson has indicated to me that, although this has been a far more lengthy and complex investigation than originally anticipated, every attempt has been made to expedite the process without compromising the investigation's integrity. Whilst this has taken far longer than anticipated, and this is frustrating for all concerned, I am very mindful of the important principle of independence needed in this investigation, and any attempt to circumvent proper processes would place the integrity of this investigation in jeopardy.

Given his letter outlining this time line, and his recent illness, I accept that further time is needed to complete this work. I can also update the chamber on the costs of the investigation. The expected cost to the end of this financial year is just under $800,000. This includes Mr MacPherson's services of approximately $340,000, based on a daily rate of $1,200; costs for other supporting staff in the vicinity of $350,000; and other materials and operating expenses in the vicinity of $110,000. On the basis of these estimates, the cost for the remaining two months of the investigation is likely to be in the vicinity of a further $150,000.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

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