Local Government Minister David Templeman has today announced the suspension of the City of Perth council and his intention to establish an inquiry panel to investigate the City’s governance issues.
Related: Commissioners to restore good governance, confidence in City of Perth
The Minister’s action comes into effect today following the gazettal of a Governor’s Order, and as a result of ongoing and serious concerns of failure by the elected council to ensure that the local government performs its functions properly.
The suspension order, outlined under section 8.19 of the Local Government Act 1995, will see three commissioners fulfil the role of the suspended council and ensure continuity of service to ratepayers while the inquiry is underway.
Eric Lumsden, retiring chairperson of the Western Australian Planning Commission; Gaye McMath, former executive director of Perth Education City; and Andrew Hammond, retiring chief executive officer of the City of Rockingham, have been appointed to the positions.
The inquiry panel will have the powers of a Royal Commission and the authority to make recommendations as to whether the council should be dismissed or reinstated.
Following the inquiry, which could take a number of months, a report will be prepared for the Minister to decide what action the State Government will take.
In response, the City of Perth Administration issued a statement acknowledging the State Government’s decision to immediately suspend the Council and put in place a panel of Commissioners.
Acting CEO Annaliese Battista said that the decision is a much needed circuit breaker for the City’s ratepayers, community and 700 hard working men and women at the City.
“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the highly unusual pressures the City has experienced over the past few years,” Ms Battista said.
“It has been very challenging for City employees, and I know I speak for the CEO when I say staff’s well-being has been our priority throughout this period.
“It would be naïve to suggest the issues facing the Council haven’t impacted the reputation of the City of Perth.
“Our promise is to work closely with the Commissioners to restore the community’s confidence in our ability to provide good governance and continue to provide quality services to ratepayers, stakeholders and the community.”
Photo: Council House (Michael_Spencer / Flickr)