City of Fremantle electors have passed a motion of no confidence in the mayor, council, and chief executive over financial management. The motion was carried at the annual general meeting of electors on February 2, targeting Mayor Ben Lawver, the council, and Chief Executive Glen Dougall for their stewardship of the city's finances.
The motion, put forward by former councillor Marija Vujcic, cited concerns about spending exceeding revenue, with 67% of income coming from ratepayers and 40% of costs going to administration. Vujcic emphasized the motion was not a personal attack but a call for accountability, noting the city's failure to complete its capital works program for two consecutive years.
Resident Elizabeth Megroz highlighted that previous no-confidence motions had been noted without action, stressing that elected members are paid to make sound financial decisions. However, another resident urged support for the mayor, who has been in office for only two months, calling for teamwork.
City Director of Business Matthew Hammond defended the budget as financially responsible, citing a positive closing position of $9.58 million. He attributed project delays to cost and supply issues, stating they remain in the program. The council will consider the no-confidence motion at a future meeting.
