ADELAIDE Plains Council (APC) mayor Mark Wasley has been cleared by the SA Ombudsman of any misconduct, following a preliminary investigation in the election of deputy mayor Marcus Strudwicke.
The investigation stemmed from a complaint made by Adelaide Plains Residents and Ratepayers Association (APRRA) president Neil Slater about the way Mr Strudwicke was elected deputy mayor in November.
Cr Strudwicke was elected in favour of Cr Terry-Anne Keen, with elected members voting 5-4 in favour of Cr Keen before Mr Wasley cast a tying vote.
The tie meant the position was decided by drawing lots from a hat, with Cr Strudwicke the victor.
The APRRA president argued Mr Wasley had breached the Local Government Act by voting in the decision, with mayors usually only given a casting vote if the chamber is split.
Mr Slater initially sent his complaint to the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC), but was referred by the commissioner to the Ombudsman Wayne Lines.
After conducting a preliminary investigation, Mr Lines found Mr Wasley had no case to answer for, and closed the file. In correspondence to Mr Slater, Mr Lines said investigation by his office was “not necessary or justifiable”.
“I have carefully considered the events that occurred in relation to the appointment of Cr Strudwicke as the Deputy Mayor of the council,” he said.
“I have not identified any errors or acts contrary to the Local Government Act or to the Regulations in relation to the appointment of Cr Strudwicke to the role of deputy mayor.
“Further, I have no evidence that Mayor Wasley committed misconduct andor maladministration in public administration pursuant to section 5 of the ICAC Act.
Mr Lines’ investigation was kept in strict confidence by order of the ICAC, with APC chief executive James Miller and governance and communications general manager Scheree Schenk the only staff members aware it took place before last month’s council meeting.
The decision was made to make the investigation public upon its conclusion due to it being a matter of public interest.
Mr Slater said he was “not happy” with Mr Lines’ findings, and believed more investigation in to the matter is required.
