GAWLER Council CEO Henry Inat has defended council’s refusal to release documents to local MP Tony Piccolo as part of a Freedom of Information request.

The Bunyip last week reported Mr Piccolo and council were locked in a legal battle over the release of a report written by Mr Inat last year recommending his own pay rise and contract extension.

Mr Piccolo questioned what council was “trying to hide” by refusing his request, which was discussed in a South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) further directions hearing on Friday.

However, Mr Inat said the report’s release would “unfairly impact” his ongoing CEO performance review.

“As a local government employee, I am accountable to the elected members and serve the interests of Gawler and its ratepayers,” he said. “I accept the scrutiny that this brings.

“I’ve had a performance review every year and have released my assessment reports at the required time.

“To release the 2019 report now would unfairly impact the independent review under way by an external consultant.

“Every council employee is able to have a fair and respectful review process and I seek the same opportunity.

“I remain committed to fulfilling my role as CEO of the Town of Gawler.”

Mr Piccolo argued the report was in the “public interest” and that the community deserved to reach its own conclusions.

Meanwhile, Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said council was taking the legal action with the “utmost seriousness”.

“The Town of Gawler is committed to serving the best interests of the people of Gawler within the parameters of the Local Government Act,” she said.

“As an employer, we are also bound by the Fair Work Act and are committed to following industry best practice to provide our employees with a professional and respectful performance review process.”