The husband of a prominent Western Australian Shire President has been charged by police following allegations he made a series of harassing phone calls to a fellow councillor.
Charges Laid Following Investigation
Peter Balcombe, the husband of Murray-Wellington Shire President Linda Balcombe, is scheduled to appear in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on July 30. He faces one charge of harassment, specifically for using a carriage service to harass another person. The charge stems from an investigation into phone calls allegedly made to a sitting councillor within the Murray-Wellington Shire, located in the Peel region south of Perth.
The investigation was initiated after the targeted councillor reported receiving the unwanted communications. While the exact nature and content of the calls have not been publicly detailed in court documents, the charge implies they were persistent and caused alarm or distress to the recipient.
Political Repercussions and Responses
The situation places Shire President Linda Balcombe in a difficult position, as the allegations involve her immediate family and a colleague in local government. In a brief statement, Mrs. Balcombe acknowledged the charge but emphasised the matter was now a personal legal issue for her husband.
"I am aware of a charge that has been laid against my husband," Linda Balcombe stated. "As this is a personal matter for him, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time." She confirmed she would continue in her role as Shire President, suggesting a separation between her public duties and her husband's private legal affairs.
The Murray-Wellington Shire Council itself has also been drawn into the incident. A council spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the police investigation and subsequent charge. "The council is aware of a police investigation involving the spouse of the Shire President," the spokesperson said. "As this is now a matter before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
Community Impact and Legal Process
This case highlights the often-intersecting lines between personal conduct and public office in local government communities. The Murray-Wellington Shire, encompassing areas like Pinjarra and Dwellingup, is a tight-knit region where civic figures are well-known.
The charge of using a carriage service to harass carries serious potential penalties under Australian law, reflecting the significant impact such behaviour can have on victims. The court process will now determine the facts of the case.
All eyes will be on the Mandurah Magistrates Court at the end of July for Peter Balcombe's first appearance. The outcome of this case is likely to have lasting implications, not just for the individuals directly involved, but for the perception of governance and conduct within the shire. For now, the council and its president attempt to maintain business as usual while a personal legal drama unfolds in the background.
