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State Govt working on draft law to kick out misbehaving councillors: McGowan

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

WA PREMIER Mark McGowan today has said he is drafting a new law to kick out misbehaving councillors including City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi.

“There’s democratic and legal processes involved (but) we will be bringing forward law in the very near future to allow for councillors who have acted improperly to be dismissed,” he said.

He said there had been some complications sorting the draft out but it should be resolved by the end of the year.

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Mr McGowan said once in place, the new law would deal with Ms Scaffidi’s situation retrospectively.

“This situation can resolve itself tomorrow, if the Lord Mayor just resigned,” he said.

“I’d request the Lord Mayor read the writing on the wall, tap the mat and move on.”

Ms Scaffifi stepped down from her duties in September while she waits for her appeal results against her 18-month disqualification handed down to her by the State Administrative Tribunal.

The Tribunal found Ms Scaffidi breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not declaring gifts and travel to the value of more than $35,000.

Ms Scaffidi this week claimed the State Government was campaigning against her.

Mr McGowan said the claim was “ridiculous” and “beyond ludicrous”.

He said the community and even the State Opposition suggested she resign.

Cr Jemma Green was this week made deputy Lord Mayor after a gridlock vote between Crs Reece Harley and James Limnios.

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