AN investigator who has handled some of the most serious fraud, stealing and corruption investigations in WA has been hired by the City of Bunbury to look into emails and letters leaked to media and distributed between councillors last month.
Investigations manager Peter Lavender, who works for Perth-based company Gold Security Group, addressed councillors at a private meeting last night.
Mr Lavender will investigate an email allegedly written by a councillor and sent by an anonymous source to local media outlets.
He will also look into letters sent to councillors, supposedly from other councillors.
The letters questioned the council’s decision to uphold a move by City staff to withdraw two internal fines.
City chief executive officer Andrew Brien was fined for driving in a nature reserve and chief financial officer Wayne Wright received a fine for parking in a disabled bay.
The leaked letters were part of a string of controversial issues which have hung over the City in recent months, leading to South West MLC Adele Farina spearheading a petition to see council suspended and calling for an inquiry into its operations.
Acting chief executive officer Phil Harris said the cost of the investigation was yet to be determined as it has only just begun.
Council decided to hire the investigator at a meeting on August 6 and the decision was unanimous.
Mr Lavender is a former WA Police officer with 38 years of service behind him, including 10 years as the officer in charge of the Major Fraud Squad.
He specialised in the investigation of some of the largest and most serious fraud, stealing and corruption investigations in Western Australia.
Since leaving the police service, he has investigated a range of matters including those of a civil nature, such as disciplinary breaches.
