Report into Shire of Perenjori handed down
The Western Australian Government today tabled the report detailing findings of the Authorised Inquiry into the Shire of Perenjori in State Parliament.
- Report into Shire of Perenjori has been tabled in Parliament
- Inquiry looked at tender processes involving several projects and record keeping
- Commissioner now in place until May 2020
The Inquiry commenced following concerns raised by electors and a departmental probity audit conducted in 2017, which identified serious tender and procurement issues.
The issues investigated include the tender processes in relation to the redevelopment of the Perenjori Pavilion, construction of transportable accommodation for shire staff, and construction of independent living units. Through this investigation poor
record keeping practices were also identified.
The report includes 30 findings and five recommendations. However, as there is no longer a council a number of those recommendations will be negated.
Ten of the findings involved the Shire of Perenjori's former CEO.
The report also found that five councillors may have breached section 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 for not disclosing either a proximity or financial interest to the council on various agenda items.
Perenjori is a small farming and mining local government area in the Mid West region of Western Australia, about 360 kilometres north of Perth, with a population of about 600 people.
In June 2019, a commissioner was appointed to run the shire after five of its nine councillors resigned, resulting in the need to declare the remaining four positions vacant.