City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi facing the media.
Camera IconCity of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi facing the media. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Opinion: Lisa Scaffidi’s tears a reminder she is human

Denise S. CahillEastern Reporter

SHE’S human.

After three years of what have admittedly been “the worst time of my life”, City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has showed some emotion.

The embattled Lord Mayor who faced a State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) penalty hearing last week regarding her 19 breaches of the Local Government Act, broke down in tears while questioned by State lawyer Carolyn Thatcher on Tuesday, just a day after celebrating her birthday on February 12.

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It’s a side of Ms Scaffidi we’ve rarely seen.

She’s previously faced the SAT and, more harrowingly, the media with composure and very little emotion.

It’s clear, finally, that being subjected to accusations for wrong-doing from lawyers, some councillors and the public has taken its toll and finally came to a head on the first day of questioning.

No one was expecting her to breakdown, least of all Ms Scaffidi I imagine.

It seems her game plan has been to stand strong, stay focused and remain composed.

What she’s been through over the past three years, guilty or not guilty, would take an emotional toll on anyone.

That she’s controlled her emotions in the wake of harsh and unwavering criticism that has overshadowed any support she’s received demonstrates significant strength.

The emotion is no admission of guilt or innocence, it simply reminds us that she’s human.

But it still isn’t over.

We have to wait up to 90 days to hear from the SAT who will, hopefully for the last time, determine Ms Scaffidi’s future.

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