Media statement - ECSA Disclosure of returns

Published on 11 February 2023

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were.

Late on Friday morning 10 February 2023, the City of Onkaparinga was contacted by ECSA advising that one of our elected members did not provide a Return 2 form, as per Section 54(1)(h) of the Local Government Act 1999.

Prior to this verbal confirmation, the City of Onkaparinga had not received any formal correspondence about this matter.

As per the Act, details will be made public at the next council meeting.

Until the matter is resolved there will be a casual vacancy in the Knox ward.

Any remuneration and access to council support services for the affected elected member will cease.

Council and Committee meetings will continue as normal, as quorum has been maintained.

ESCA is assessing the situation across all SA Councils, and there is a process to go through before we know whether or not a supplementary election is required in the Knox ward.

Given that there may be legal proceedings occurring through SACAT, ECSA will not publicly disclose the elected members affected. 

ENDS