URGENT UPDATE: The City of Perth is engulfed in fresh turmoil as acting CEO Peta Mabbs has publicly accused Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds of pushing through an unlawful motion that could have significant implications for the city’s governance.
During the tumultuous November 18, 2023 council meeting, Reynolds introduced an urgent motion to appoint law firm Mills Oakley for a workplace culture review, budgeted at $125,000. The decision has been met with fierce criticism following Mabbs’ claims that the process violated legal protocols.
Mabbs, stepping in for CEO Michelle Reynolds who is currently on leave, stated in a briefing prepared for the agenda meeting on December 2 that the motion was “not a lawful decision and therefore cannot be implemented.” She highlighted that council members were given only six minutes to review the motion before voting, with no explanation for the urgency, and no opportunity for questions.
This rapid-fire decision-making process deprived councillors of the necessary information to make an informed choice, according to Mabbs. She emphasized that the motion not only breached the Local Government Act but also sidelined her role as the principal adviser to the council.
“The motion shuns the CEO in her advisory capacity and undermines proper governance,” Mabbs asserted.
Following the controversial meeting, Councillor Catherine Lezer signaled her intent to challenge the motion at the next council meeting, circulating a revocation motion draft on November 22. However, Reynolds called a special council meeting for November 25 to address the revocation, despite it not being formally lodged.
Mabbs reported that Lezer and two other councillors who opposed Reynolds’ initial motion were unable to attend the special meeting due to the short notice, raising further concerns about the integrity of the process.
This brewing conflict within the City of Perth is not just a bureaucratic issue; it poses serious questions about transparency and accountability at a time when public trust in local governance is crucial. As these events unfold, all eyes will be on the next council meeting and the potential ramifications of these allegations.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as the City of Perth navigates the challenges of leadership and governance.
