WA land valuer Michael McKenna has been stripped of his licence for two years after he was found guilty of bribing public officers.
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The announcement is below:
A WA land valuer has been disqualified for two years after being convicted in the District Court of bribing a public officer.
The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has cancelled the licence of Michael Edwin McKenna of Cowaramup as a result of him being found guilty by the District Court last year of two counts of bribing a public officer and one count of counselling another to bribe a public officer.
The disciplinary action followed a mediation in the SAT on 7 September 2009 at which Mr McKenna agreed to the cancellation of his licence and disqualification for two years.
In its submission to SAT, the Land Valuers Licensing Board stated the premeditated offences displayed serious dishonesty and undermined the integrity of the public service. The Board considered the offences were committed with the intention of gaining personal benefit at the expense of those who complied with the proper administrative processes of Landgate.
Land Valuers Licensing Board Chairman Bryan Gardiner said the land valuing profession involves significant trust and, therefore, valuers must display honesty and objectivity at all times.
"The Board takes seriously its two key roles of ensuring that the persons obtaining a license under the Act satisfy the requirements relating to their 'good character and repute' and that they maintain high professional standards," Mr Gardiner said.
"Where standards are breached, the Board will fully assess the situation and, where appropriate, take disciplinary action."
