Toodyay report finds CEO failings

An inquiry into the Shire of Toodyay tabled in state parliament this afternoon has accused a former chief executive of poor financial and administration management.

The inquiry in question had been launched in 2018 in response to complaints raised by voters and community groups.

The final report made 25 findings and five recommendations, with 15 concerning the former chief executive.

Three matters were investigated, including one instance of an overpayment of $150,000 to a former chief executive that was approved by the council, and two matters in which a former chief executive had pursued legal action without consideration for the legal costs for ratepayers.

Local Government Minister David Templeman today welcomed the inquiry’s findings after the final report had been tabled in state parliament, mentioning the shire had made a number of improvements since the inquiry’s conclusion.

“Local government plays a critical role in shaping our communities,” he said.

“Council staff and elected members should be aware of their responsibilities, and community members should be assured that the administration and council are acting in their best interests.”

Today’s results follow on from the high-profile City of Perth inquiry earlier this year, which found multiple instances of wrongdoing against the former council and administration.

The Town of Cambridge had been subject to an inquiry for two years before Mr Templeman issued it with a ‘show cause’ notice in May.

That notice was successfully challenged in court, with a judge finding attempts to suspend the council were disproportionate to what was detailed in the show cause notice.