Fremantle Electors Deliver No-Confidence Verdict on Council's Financial Stewardship
The City of Fremantle has been rocked by a significant vote of no confidence from its electors, who have expressed serious concerns about the local government's ability to manage municipal finances effectively.
Motion Passed After Tense Annual General Meeting
During the city's annual general meeting of electors on February 2, residents formally passed a motion declaring no confidence in Mayor Ben Lawver, the entire council, and Chief Executive Glen Dougall. The motion specifically targeted their stewardship, oversight and assurance of the city's financial management and long-term sustainability.
The vote required two separate counts before Mayor Lawver declared it officially carried, highlighting the contentious nature of the proceedings. The motion was put forward by Marija Vujcic, a former councillor who challenged Mr Lawver in last year's mayoral election.
Financial Concerns Take Centre Stage
Ms Vujcic emphasised that her motion represented not a character assassination or about hating on city representatives, but rather a serious examination of financial practices. She pointed to concerning statistics, noting that the city spends more than it earns, with 67 per cent of revenue coming directly from ratepayers and 40 per cent of costs allocated to administration.
I would love us to have a review and see if we can do better on that because the only way you've got to go after that is the ratepayer, Ms Vujcic told the meeting. She directly addressed Mayor Lawver, stating: You can't cop the lot for it, but you were a councillor for four years. So it's not as if you were a Snow White on this occasion.
The former councillor framed the issue in stark terms: This is not about holding hands and singing Kumbaya. This is millions of dollars at stake every year. She pledged to be the first one who will genuflect in front of each one of these administrators and the mayor if we get the finances right next year.
Conflicting Financial Narratives Emerge
The meeting revealed sharply contrasting views about Fremantle's financial position. Director of City Business Matthew Hammond presented what he described as a financially responsible budget for 2024-25, asserting the city was in good financial standing with a positive closing position of $9.58 million.
However, several residents challenged this assessment, claiming the city had actually lost $6.3 million. Ms Vujcic further criticised the council's track record, noting that for the past two financial years, Fremantle had been unable to complete its capital works program, which she characterised as the pattern of a city in financial decline.
Mr Hammond acknowledged some project delays but attributed them to costs and supply issues, maintaining that delayed projects remain in the program to be completed.
Resident Perspectives and Historical Context
South Fremantle resident Elizabeth Megroz highlighted that previous no-confidence motions regarding the council's financial management had simply been noted without further action. Elected members are entrusted with and paid for making sound financial decisions on behalf of the ratepayers, she reminded attendees.
Not all voices supported the motion, however. One resident appealed for unity, noting that the mayor's only been in for what, two months? and urging electors to back each other as a team.
What Happens Next?
The no-confidence motion will now proceed to the council for consideration at a future meeting. This development follows earlier questioning of city officers about local government finances during the same gathering.
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of Fremantle's substantial financial operations, with residents having been informed the city generated total revenue exceeding $100 million, including $63 million from rates alone.
