CITY of Vincent John Carey has slammed Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi’s claims the City of Perth leads in transparency.
Mr Carey turned to Twitter and Facebook yesterday to have his say on the latest developments of investigations into Ms Scaffidi.
The Department of Local Government released its report into Ms Scaffidi on Tuesday, which revealed 45 allegations of undeclared gifts and travel by the Lord Mayor.
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READ NOWThe report, which comes after an investigation by the Corruption and Crime Commission, also recommended the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) pursue the matter.
Mr Carey said the City of Perth lagged behind in transparency.
MORE: Deputy Lord Mayor James Limnios turns on Scaffidi
“Lisa Scaffidi says she fully supports campaign for transparency yet not once has introduced motions to do so. City of Perth lags behind,” he wrote.
“Every day the Lord Mayor stays, it confirms the worst about politics: there’s one rule for us & another rule for the punters.”
Mr Carey, who is a Labor candidate for Perth, also criticised Local Government Minister Tony Simpson and Premier Colin Barnett’s lack of leadership.
“Incredible Local Gov (sic) Minister Simpson refused to front media over Lord Mayor travel scandal: nothing prevents him from saying where he stands,” he wrote.
“Two reviews into Perth Lord Mayor travel scandal but wait there’s more. Farcical process with lack of leadership from Minister and Premier.”
In his rant, Mr Carey also called for reform to the Local Government Act “to allow immediate suspension of elected officials where serious misconduct or breaches.”
Mr Simpson and Mr Barnett have been approached for comment.
Ms Scaffidi said she would be a willing participant in a SAT process and denied intent to conceal or fail to declare travel or gifts.
“(I have) the ability to speak of transparency more than any other elected member across the whole of local government in Western Australia,” she said.
“It is my view that at all times I was acting within the guidelines, policies and procedures of the City of Perth.”
Minister for Local Government Tony Simpson declined to express an opinion on the investigation findings and did not respond to Mr Carey’s tweets.
“I want to play a straight bat – I am not getting drawn into the debate,” he said.