Western Australia's Premier has delivered a scathing assessment of the ongoing political drama engulfing the City of Perth, labelling the situation an "ongoing soap opera".
Premier Points Finger at 'Dysfunctional' Legacy
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Premier Roger Cook said he was not fully across the intricate details of the latest controversy but placed blame squarely on the "legacy of the former lord mayor". Mr Cook stated the previous administration had "basically ran a dysfunctional council".
The former lord mayor referenced is Basil Zempilas, who served from 2020 until his resignation in March 2025 after being successfully elected to State Parliament. Mr Zempilas has since risen rapidly through the WA Liberal ranks to become party leader.
Despite his criticism of the council's past, the Premier expressed he was "very pleased" that the current Lord Mayor, Bruce Reynolds, was attempting to get the council back "under control" and on an "even keel".
Controversial Motion Sparks Council Uproar
The latest episode in this civic drama centres on an urgent motion moved by Lord Mayor Reynolds at a council meeting on November 18. The motion sought to establish a workplace culture committee and appoint national law firm Mills Oakley to conduct an independent review, authorising a budget of up to $125,000.
The process, however, caused significant friction. City staff and the then Acting CEO, Peta Mabbs, were given only six minutes' notice before the motion was presented, leaving no time to provide advice to elected members.
Councillor Catherine Lezer stated at the meeting she could not support the motion due to insufficient information. Acting CEO Mabbs, who has since resigned from the role, said she was unaware of the motion until it was handed to her at the meeting.
Despite no debate being allowed, the motion was carried 6-3, with Crs Lezer, Adam Pacan and Raj Doshi voting against it.
Legal Questions and a Path to Revocation
In the fallout, Cr Lezer lodged a motion to revoke the decision just two days later. City staff also recommended revocation. In a report, the now-resigned Acting CEO Mabbs described Lord Mayor Reynolds' motion as "unlawful", "flawed" and inconsistent with good governance.
At a council agenda meeting on Monday night, Mr Reynolds defended his actions but offered an olive branch. He stated he would support revoking the November 18 resolution "as a deliberate act to remove legal ambiguity, de-escalate tension" and avoid "open warfare" between the council and administration.
"Every action I have taken as Lord Mayor has been taken in good faith, within the law and motivated by duty of care to our staff," Mr Reynolds told the meeting.
The council is set to formally consider the revocation at its next meeting on December 9. In the interim, General Manager of Community Development Wendy Attenborough has taken over as Acting CEO until the scheduled return of CEO Michelle Reynolds from leave on December 15.
Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Reynolds has publicly downplayed the scale of community concern. On Perth radio, he claimed to have received only four emails about the matter, with two senders later apologising after he spoke with them. He firmly denied the council was "imploding".
