WALGA president and Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard.
Camera IconWALGA president and Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard. Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

Pickard vows to fight CCC complaint

Staff ReporterWestern Suburbs Weekly

‘In accordance with its obligations under the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003, the department is required to notify the Corruption and Crime Commission of every complaint that contains an allegation that may also constitute misconduct, as defined by that Act,’ a Department of Local Government spokeswoman said .

It was alleged Mr Pickard did not declare proximity interests in 2011 and 2012 when voting on the redevelopment of land partially used by a Kingsley tavern whose owner donated $1000 to Mr Pickard’s 2009 election campaign.

Failing to declare interests can attract a $10,000 fine or a two-year jail term.

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After a July 2013 complaint, the department found Mr Pickard was ‘closely associated’ with tavern owners Resolve Nominees because of the donation, but it did not to send the complaint to the State Administrative Tribunal.

Mr Pickard was instead given ‘education and advice’ about his obligations under the Act, and warned the decision could be changed if a financial interest breach was substantiated.

Mr Pickard said the allegations against him were ‘muckraking’ by ‘some in the western suburbs’ and he was comfortable with the department informing the CCC, after he had provided information on which the department made its decision.

‘We deal with dozens of matters each month, and with huge agendas, and no one is perfect,’ Mr Pickard said.

He said he had gone through campaign contributions with his chief executive, there had been no more ‘oversights’ and he would continue his WALGA role.

Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said he supported Mr Pickard at WALGA.