On Monday night, Local Government Inspector Tony Brown provided Elected Members with the observations of the monitoring process and outlined an Action Plan aimed at strengthening governance practices and relationships across the City.
This briefing represents an important independent review of matters relating to the City’s governance and decision-making processes and practices.
We have also been informed that there will be an Inspector’s Inquiry commencing 21 September 2026. We welcome Inspector’s decision to commence this Inquiry into the City of Perth.
From the outset, I have supported independent oversight of the City and the opportunity it provides to strengthen our governance, relationships and culture.
Before the monitoring period commenced, I wrote to the Inspector expressing my desire to use the appointment of the Monitor constructively to identify behaviours early, establish clear expectations and help elected members work together effectively as a Council.
That remains my position today.
Importantly, the Inspector noted the Council has the inherent institutional capacity to perform effectively. That is an important foundation to build upon.
We welcome the inquiry as an opportunity for the matters raised to be independently examined, the facts to be established and, where required, clear pathways for action and improvement to be identified.
The City will cooperate fully and openly with that process.
As Lord Mayor, I will provide the leadership necessary to ensure we respond constructively and use this opportunity to draw a line in the sand and move forward.
Most importantly, we need to maintain the confidence of the Perth community. Our community expects all elected members to work constructively, maintain high standards and remain focused on delivering for Perth.
That confidence is earned through what we do, not simply what we say.
I want to assure our community that Council’s focus remains on delivering for the people, businesses and visitors who rely on the City every day, attracting investment and delivering the services and projects our community expects.
I look forward to supporting the process and believe the City will emerge stronger.
Bruce Reynolds
Lord Mayor, City of Perth
