Media Statements - Council of the City of South Perth suspended

28/11/00

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei has suspended the Council of the City of South Perth.

Mr Omodei announced the decision today following the tabling of a highly critical report in Parliament last Thursday, and the Governor’s approval today for the appointment of three commissioners to run the affairs of the City.

The commissioners are:

Julian Francis Donaldson, a former Mayor of the Town of Cottesloe and currently the chairman of commissioners at the City of Cockburn, an appointment which will end after the council elections on December 6;
Stephanie (Steve) Smith, a former CEO at the Town of Bassendean who is currently a consultant specialising in local government; and -
Eric William Thomas Lumsden, the current CEO of the City of Swan.

Mr Donaldson has been appointed chairman, and Ms Smith deputy.

Mr Omodei said the commissioners would take control of the affairs of the city immediately.

A further inquiry would be established to complete the work of the departmental inquiry and to recommend to him whether the council should be reinstated or dismissed.

Mr Omodei said the suspension of the South Perth council would come as no surprise after the revelations contained in the report tabled last week.

The inquiry report had concluded that the council did not have the will or the ability to return the city to a suitable level of local government.

He had both current and previous advice from the Crown Solicitor’s Office about the requirements for suspension of a council and had satisfied himself that it would not be appropriate for the council to continue to act as the governing body for the city.

“It is obvious that intervention is necessary for the good of the residents and the staff at South Perth,” the Minister said

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9213 6700