City of Perth council suspended, inquiry panel to determine fate
09 March 2018
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Ongoing and serious governance issues prompts Minister to suspend Perth council
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A panel with powers of a Royal Commission will conduct inquiry
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Inquiry panel can recommend dismissal or reinstating the council
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Three commissioners will oversee the City of Perth while inquiry is held
WA Government:
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.
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.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister David
Templeman:
"The situation at the City of Perth has become untenable and I have
formed a view that if I do not intervene, I am failing in my
responsibilities as Minister and not fulfilling my obligations under the
Local Government Act.
"As Minister for Local Government, it is my aim to support and champion
the sector, however, I am also responsible for ensuring that it operates
efficiently and effectively.
"The community has an expectation that the City of Perth, as our premier
local government in the State, is leading by example and putting their
ratepayers first.
"The ongoing and serious governance issues at the City have ultimately
led to the recent events and are tarnishing the sector's reputation.
"I am seeking to restore confidence in the people of Perth of the City's
ability to provide good governance for its community, and this move is a
further step towards achieving this."
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 5400
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