Burnside Council will face an independent investigation led by former auditor-general Ken MacPherson, it was announced this week.

Local Government minister Gail Gago made preliminary inquiries into the council after its chief executive, who is now back in his job, resigned last month over claims of an unsafe working environment.

Responding to the announcement President of the LGA Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said she recognised that the minister was proceding with the investigation as guided under the Local Government Act, but added that the association would continue to offer support for the council.

“It is important to highlight that this is not an Anti-Corruption Branch investigation, it is an investigation under Section 272 of the Local Government Act based on the Minister’s belief that the Council has ‘contravened or failed to comply with a provision of this or another Act; or failed to discharge a responsibility under this or another Act or that an irregularity has occurred in the conduct of the affairs’ of the Council,” she said in a statement.

In announcing the probe Gago said that the investigation should be a reminder to all councils.