Perth council fires chief executive amid escalating governance scandal

In a special council session, Mayor Bruce Reynolds confirmed that the City of Perth terminated chief executive Michelle Reynolds with immediate effect, citing serious findings from an independent investigation. The council described the matter as a confidential employment issue and declined to release specifics. The move comes just days after Local Government Inspector Tony Brown initiated a three-month review, warning of fractured relationships and persistent governance challenges within the council.

Former CEO Ms Roberts, who called the probe a "witch hunt," said she would appeal the decision and criticized the council's factionalism. She added that the investigation exposed toxic behavior among elected members and warned of costly repercussions for ratepayers. No replacement has been announced, and the council faces heightened scrutiny as the inquiry continues.