Former Shire of Exmouth officers plead not guilty

Allegations the former chief executive of the Shire of Exmouth and another senior Shire staff member falsified documents in their roles as public officers are set to go to trial after the men pleaded not guilty.

Arthur William “Bill” Price and former Shire strategic projects officer Andrew Jeffrey Forte entered the pleas to identical charges of falsification of documents by a public officer in appearances before the Perth Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday.

The charges stem from allegations concerning the awarding of a $1 million contract for the Ningaloo Centre aquarium without going to tender.

It is alleged the pair prepared a false document recommending councillors engage a Perth company be engaged, when the contract had already been awarded to it.

It is also alleged Mr Price, assisted by Mr Forte, granted the contract to the company without calling for tenders.

The pair are next due to appear in the Perth District Court on January 18 for a trial listing hearing.