Inspector removes himself from all matters with South Perth after family member officially joins city staff

The saga engulfing the City of South Perth has taken another twist, with local government inspector Tony Brown declaring a conflict of interest with one of his family members having been appointed to a role within the troublesome organisation.

The announcement, posted on Tuesday July 14, confirmed that Mr Brown had removed himself from from all matters relating to the city.

Mr Brown told The West Australian that he had identified that a member of his extended family had been appointed to a role within the city and subsequently lodged a formal conflict of interest notification.

“This appointment has no financial implication for the city, and its ratepayers,” he said.

It comes just days after new councillors Bronwyn David and Gavin Denton were sworn in after the resignation of four elected members from the trouble-plagued council.

Former Mill Point ward councillors Tim Houweling and Jacqueline Raison resigned after serving just eight months on the council, following a tense five-hour budget debate.

The vacancies left by former councillors Bronwyn Waugh and Hayley Prendiville will be filled at an extraordinary election in September.

The announcement said that the Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley had appointed a person to act in the role for all current and future issues related to the City of South Perth.

“Jennifer Shelton has accepted the position for a term of three months, effective immediately,” the announcement stated.

Monitor Gail McGowan began overlooking the city on February 25, but has had her appointment extended until August 17 after the council voted to send Mr Brown a formal request to do so in June. Mr Brown approved the extension.