City of Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said she had no case to answer over allegations she lied under oath as the council continued to grapple with the issue at the ordinary council meeting on March 8.
Last month it was revealed Mrs Searle signed a declaration upon taking the position of mayor in October last year, which listed her address as being at a rental property she owns in Kenwick, despite her having lived in Canning Vale for more than 25 years.
The matter has been referred to the Corruption and Crime Commission and the Attorney General.
At this week’s meeting Mrs Searle said she had sought independent legal advice and been told she had done nothing illegal.
“I have not contravened any act or law,” she said.
“There is no case to answer.”
She described the allegations as being unfounded and unresearched.
After a member of the public questioned why the city’s website showed Mrs Searle’s address as in Kenwick she said she was still a ratepayer in the city.
“I have never hidden the fact that I have paid rates in the City of Gosnells for more than 45 years,” she said.
Other residents supported Mrs Searle and called for an end to the discussion of the issue with one resident saying ratepayers deserved better.
“When is council going to stop this us versus them mentality,” he said.
Councillor Glenn Dewhurst questioned why a previous motion to debate the issue had been shut down by Councillor Pierre Yang, who last month argued further discussions could jeopardise a CCC investigation and would break the law.
Chief executive Ian Cowie said Mr Yang’s objections to the debate had not breached standing orders though advice from the CCC was that discussions of the issue could be allowed.
The issue was discussed for about an hour during public question and statement time as well as questions of which due notice had been given.
The CCC and Attorney General were yet to release findings.
