Perth council launches new three-month inquiry into governance breakdown

Tony Brown, serving as Western Australia’s Local Government Inspector, commenced a new inquiry into the City of Perth after a private meeting with council members and employees. The investigation, expected to last about three months and cost roughly $120,000, builds on a five-month monitor review that began when former Kwinana mayor Carol Adams was appointed in January. Adams’ findings, which are not public, identified confidentiality breaches, a collapse of public-working relationships, and an overload of questions for city officers.

Brown indicated that the forthcoming report will be released publicly and may advise the minister for local government to dismiss the entire council or specific officials. Meanwhile, chief executive Michelle Reynolds stays suspended, and a motion to reinstate her was rejected until after a culture review is completed.