UPDATE: The City of Perth is facing a staggering bill of over $35,000 for the newly appointed governance monitor, a situation that councillor Catherine Lezer has branded as “embarrassing.” The council will incur a charge of $900 per day for the services of former City of Kwinana mayor Carol Adams, who was selected by Local Government Inspector Tony Brown to oversee the city’s governance practices.
Adams commenced her role on Monday and will be working with the City of Perth for a total of 13 weeks, ending on April 17, 2024. Her mandate includes assessing the city’s high-profile governance challenges and decision-making processes, while also reviewing meetings—even those held behind closed doors.
“This is a significant financial burden on ratepayers, especially after the $1.5 million spent five years ago on a similar inquiry,” Lezer stated, highlighting the disappointment felt among council members.
The special audit, risk, and improvement committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 4 PM, where members will discuss a confidential report entitled “psychosocial risk assessment report.” CEO Michelle Reynolds is identified as the responsible officer for this report, which includes a table of undisclosed recommendations.
Tony Brown has underscored the importance of Adams’ role, indicating that she will be working closely with the council to implement necessary governance improvements. “She will report to me while proactively assisting in resolving governance challenges,” he said.
The financial implications of this oversight have raised eyebrows, as the council grapples with the urgency of addressing its governance issues. With Adams working three days a week, this arrangement can be extended if the situation demands further scrutiny.
The developments within the City of Perth signal a pressing need for enhanced governance, as officials strive to regain the trust of the local community. As the situation unfolds, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about significant updates that could impact the city’s governance landscape.
The council’s transparency and response to these challenges will be crucial as they navigate this pressing issue, and the upcoming committee meeting is expected to shed light on the next steps.
