City of Perth deputy hopes for meeting with Lord Mayor before hand over next week

JUST four days from resuming her duties as City of Perth Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi has not yet met Deputy Lord Mayor Jemma Green for a handover.

Ms Scaffidi stepped back from her duties in September pending the outcome of her appeal of 45 breaches of the Local Government Act.

A final decision by the State Administrative Tribunal is expected by the beginning of February.

Dr Green took on Lord Mayoral duties when she became deputy in October.

Ms Scaffidi announced via Twitter on December 21 she would resume office on January 8, after a three-month absence.

Dr Green told Guardian Express she took steps to set up a meeting with Ms Scaffidi ahead of Monday but nothing had yet been organised.

“I have asked the office to reach out to her and offer her a meeting for a handover,” she said.

“I will do my best to work in the best interests of the City.”

Dr Green said she had achieved many goals in her three months as deputy mayor and acting Lord Mayor.

“Since becoming the deputy Lord Mayor and acting in the top job, I’m proud of what the new council has accomplished together in a few months,” she said.

Dr Green listed alfresco fee reduction, free parking and clothing allowance reduction, all of which passed in Ms Scaffidi’s absence, as top achievements.

“We can, and I believe will, do more,” she said.

Alfresco fees were reduced from up to $150 down to $40 per sq m and the clothing allowance was slashed from $13,300 to a maximum of $3000 each year.

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