Published on Friday, 2 March 2018 at 12:00:00 AM
The suspension of the City of Perth Council as announced today by Local Government Minister David Templeman, has been highlighted by the Town of Port Hedland as a significant turning point for local government in Western Australia.
The announcement includes the suspension of the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and all seven councillors. A panel with royal commission authority will be appointed to conduct a full investigation with dedicated government commissioners engaged to oversee its operations.
According to Town of Port Hedland Mayor, Camilo Blanco, the decision will have a direct impact on all councils across the State and reinforces the effect that dysfunctionality and misinterpretation of the Local Government Act can have on a community:
“We fully support the State Government’s announcement to take action on the long-standing issues associated with local councils.
“The Local Government Act applies to every region of WA and any muddying of the waters with our regulatory system can have a major ripple effect to the detriment of our communities.
“What has happened at the City of Perth is not solely about individuals, but rather the systems and processes that govern a council and determine its success.
“This should be a definite wake up call to everyone around the state to take a close, hard look at themselves and adhere to the rules that we have all been legally contracted to follow.
“It’s important that this does not overshadow the great work that has been done by the City of Perth and wider community over many years to revitalise and refocus the city.
“We need to learn from the mistakes of the past and work to ensure that local government remains firmly fixed on its core role and that is simply to serve the community.
“This is now an urgent priority for both the Department and WALGA. As a Town, we’re taking a proactive stance and supporting the review into the Local Government Act 1995, as recently endorsed at our Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday.
“I hope this all leads to a significant change and a turning point for local government in WA.”
A copy of the announcement can be found here: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2018/03/City-of-Perth-council-suspended-inquiry-panel-to-determine-fate.aspx
For media information
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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