ICAC to investigate embattled Playford Council

The embattled Playford Council is under formal evaluation by the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, it has been revealed.

• Explosive allegations against sacked council boss
• CEO stood down after secret review uncovered ‘culture of bullying’
• Why Playford Council says it sacked CEO Mal Hemmerling
• Hemmerling claims wrongful dismissal — Council to call witnesses
• Sacked Playford boss targeted by ‘partisan council’

An embattled northern suburbs council is under formal investigation from the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, it has been revealed.

In a rare public statement, Deputy Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches announced on Wednesday that he was evaluating Playford Council’s “practices, policies and procedures”.

The investigation was launched after he considered “a number of complaints and reports” made to the Office for Public Integrity.

Mr Riches informed the crisis-riddled local authority of his decision 10 days ago, but he only revealed his decision Wednesday after discussions with ICAC Commissioner Bruce Lander QC.

“I emphasise that this is an evaluation of practices, policies and procedures,” Mr Riches said in a statement.

Former Playford Council CEO Mal Hemmerling and Mayor Glenn Docherty in 2018. Picture: AAP / Morgan Sette

“It is not an investigation of individual conduct. To the extent that matters are identified which require investigation, they will be dealt with separately and in accordance with legislation.”

The announcement comes after a series of The Advertiser reports about problems engulfing the council.

It also comes after former chief executive Mal Hemmerling was fired for alleged misconduct.

He said the scope of the “evaluation” would include whether the council’s governance framework “adequately guards against the risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration”.

Mr Riches said it could be necessary to widen the scope if further information was received.

It will also investigate practices, policies and procedures with:

HUMAN resource management

FINANCIAL controls

INFORMATION management

THE availability and use of resources by public officers and whether it provides a “sufficient safeguard to minimise (its) misuse.

He said he hoped his report would be tabled in State Parliament by the end of the year.

“After considering a number of complaints and reports made to the Office for Public Integrity about... Playford I decided that there may be benefit in conducting an evaluation of its practices, policies and procedures,” he said.

“... Playford, as with all local councils, performs a particularly important function within the local community and it is critical that its functions are carried out appropriately and in a manner that is free of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.

“An evaluation is a useful means of gaining an indepth understanding of a public authority’s operations and how it guards against risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.

“The evaluation will conclude with the provision of a report to both Houses of Parliament.

“I am hopeful that my report, together with any recommendations made, will be of assistance not only to ... Playford but to the 67 other local councils in South Australia.”

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty did not return calls.

But in a statement, he said: “We will be open and co-operative throughout this process and will work with the evaluation team to ensure all of their needs are met.

“While we appreciate this situation will be of public interest…at this time, we have no further comment to make.”

Dr Hemmerling’s lawyer Greg Griffin said his client “welcomed the investigation”.

MORE TO COME