WA parliamentary officer faces charges

Nigel Lake, the deputy clerk of WA's Legislative Council, has been stood down from duties, allowing police to investigage criminal charges against him. PERTH, March 9 AAP - Nigel Lake, the deputy clerk of Western Australia's Legislative Council, has been stood down from duties after several criminal charges were laid against him.

Barry House, president of the Legislative Council, said he instructed Mr Lake to stay away from the workplace and not undertake any work as soon as he learnt of the charges on February 18.

"This was to allow the police to complete their investigation," Mr House said in a letter to all MPs.

"I consider any behaviour which results in criminal charges being laid against a parliamentary officer as very serious."

Mr House said the Legislative Council and parliament had fully co-operated with police, and the Corruption and Crime Commission had been notified, given a public officer was involved.

Arrangements had been made to cover Mr Lake's workload, he added.

Mr Lake is scheduled to appear in court on March 18.