THE Brimbank community’s trust in its council has again been shaken, following the release of a second critical Ombudsman’s report into the council in less than a month.

The latest report, tabled in Parliament last week, found that a former council building inspector, Peter Anastasi, misused his powers during his employment when buying a building formerly owned by a Buddhist community organisation.

The investigation has been handed to police for possible breaches of the Public Records Act 1973 and the Crimes Act 1958.

Ombudsman George Brouwer found Mr Anastasi had bought a property in McLaughlin St, Ardeer, through a private sale in 2008, shortly after he had inspected the site and advised Brimbank Council to issue a building order to the organisation for non-compliance.

“Mr Anastasi purchased the property at a time when he was the building inspector responsible for following up non-compliant structures on the property,” Mr Brouwer said in the report.

“The building order issued in relation to the non-compliant structures on the property had not been complied with nor cancelled prior to Mr Anastasi’s purchasing property.

“This was a clear conflict of interest between Mr Anastasi and his role as a public officer.”

Mr Anastasi is also accused of destroying the compliant file on the property, an act which could breach the law, according to Mr Brouwer.

Mr Anastasi was employed at the council from 29 January 2008 until 30 December 2008.

He resigned from the council during the Ombudsman’s investigations.

Mr Brouwer’s investigation also revealed “poor practices within council”, such as the sharing of a computer username and password and inconsistent policies within council regarding record keeping.

“Such practice increases the risk that the integrity of council’s electronic records will be compromised by inappropriate use and/or abuse of the council’s computer system.”

The council has refuted claims it irresponsibly handles its records and said it had accepted all of the recommendations put forward by the Ombudsman to prevent further misconduct by staff occurring. Brimbank CEO Nick Foa stressed that the report had revealed alleged misconduct by one of more than 1000 employees.

“Sharing of usernames and passwords is not a common or widespread practice and is against the council’s information management policy,” Mr Foa said. “Council has established policies and procedures that serve to ensure that staff follow agreed methods of operation. As soon we became aware of the allegations against this former employee, we acted immediately and referred the matter to the Ombudsman for further investigation.

“It is incorrect to tar all Brimbank City Council staff with the same brush when they are honest and hard working, with the community’s best interests at heart.”

Star was unable to contact Mr Anastasi but he denied ripping off the Buddhist organisation when questioned during the investigation and told Mr Brouwer that he was too “green around the ears” to grasp what would constitute breaking the council’s code of conduct.