Disgraced Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has again denied any wrongdoing after the State Administrative Tribunal found she had committed 45 serious breaches of the Local Government Act.
Ms Scaffidi did not front Tuesday's hearing, instead issuing a statement on social media afterwards reiterating she believed she had not acted dishonestly.
More WA News Videos
WA Premier calls on Perth Lord Mayor to resign
The WA premier says Lisa Scaffidi needs to step down for the good of her own interests and the City of Perth.
"This has not been an easy ride but I have not and still don't complain as I accept it is 'par for the course' in public life," she wrote.
Ms Scaffidi then goes on to complain about her treatment.
"What has not been acceptable is the political interference and trial by media I have had to endure for nearly two years while continuing to perform my role at full capacity," she wrote.
"In reading the details now provided I hope those who have so viciously criticised me can see how extensive my promotion of our city has been.
"If only once the details of why I travelled and where were ever discussed then maybe the public at large would understand the travel was about the promotion of Perth and Western Australia and is exactly the type of travel a dedicated Lord Mayor should be undertaking."
WAtoday has repeatedly asked the City of Perth for reports the Lord Mayor claimed she had written on each of these trips, but none have ever been forthcoming.
![Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi outside a recent hearing.](/web/20170513002132im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/7/p/2/l/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw0tn4.png/1494310764596.jpg)
Ms Scaffidi took 65 international and 47 interstate trips between January 2008 and October 2015, mostly flying business class and then staying in five-star accommodation.
In one email to a staffer, Ms Scaffidi insisted the host of one of her overseas trips knows that "I don't stay in trash".
The Lord Mayor again attempted to blame failed processes at the City of Perth for her 45 serious breaches of the Local Government Act.
"To repeat, the error of paperwork non-disclosures was inadvertent and that is the nub of the issue," the statement said.
What has not been acceptable is the political interference and trial by media I have had to endure for nearly two years while continuing to perform my role at full capacity.
"It is clear prior to 2015 systems to assist in compliance support for such senior positions were not in existence."
Ms Scaffidi also claimed that the Department of Local Government was never interested in her being dismissed, only in a period of suspension.
WA Premier Mark McGowan on Tuesday reiterated his position, saying Ms Scaffidi should "do the right thing" and stand down, or else he would take legislative steps to ensure she is dismissed.
The Department of Local Government has been contacted for comment.
— Lisa-M Scaffidi (@LisaScafPerthLM) May 9, 2017
Poll
What should happen to Lisa Scaffidi in light of SAT findings?
Poll closed 12 May, 2017
Disclaimer: These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinion only of visitors who have chosen to participate.
0 comments
New User? Sign up