Local Government Minister David Templeman today announced the appointment of legal practitioner Anthony (Tony) Power to conduct the formal inquiry into the City of Perth.
The move follows the Minister’s suspension of the Perth City Council after concluding there had been a serious and long-term failure by the elected council to ensure the City performed its functions properly.
The appointment of Mr Power takes effect on 1 May 2018 with a final report expected within 12 months.
The panel inquiry will have the powers of a Royal Commission and the authority to make a recommendation on the dismissal or reinstatement of the suspended council.
In undertaking the inquiry, Mr Power will investigate the operations and affairs of the City of Perth between 1 October 2015 and 1 March 2018 inclusive.
Specifically, the inquiry will consider if there was a failure to provide good government for the City of Perth community, the prospect of providing future good government and any necessary action to ensure ongoing good government.
Mr Power has practised at Francis Burt Chambers since 1999. He has a broad practice and has worked in almost all Courts and Tribunals, the Corruption and Crime Commission, Royal Commissions and as a mediator.
He is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Notre Dame Australia and Murdoch University.