A former high-ranking local government official in Western Australia's Kimberley region has appeared in court charged with more than a dozen serious child sex offences.
Former Deputy President Appears Via Video Link
Douglas William Diver, the 59-year-old former deputy president of the Shire of Ashburton, faced Perth Magistrates Court on Monday via video link from Hakea Prison. He was wearing an N95 mask during the brief appearance.
The charges stem from a joint investigation by the WA Police Force's Child Abuse Squad and detectives from Karratha. The alleged offences are said to have occurred in Tom Price, Armadale, and Rockingham between 2021 and 2025.
Details of the Serious Charges
Diver has been charged with a total of 15 offences. The most serious allegations include:
- Five counts of indecently dealing with a child under the age of 13.
- One count of sexual penetration of a child under 13.
- One count of possessing or copying an indecent or obscene article.
During the court hearing, the accused man spoke only to confirm his identity. The magistrate remanded him in custody, and his case was adjourned for a bail application hearing scheduled for February 23.
Political Fallout and Background
Doug Diver lost his position as deputy shire president for the Tom Price ward in 2021, after being voted out by a margin of seven votes. He had initially been elected to the deputy role in 2019, following his successful election to the council in 2017.
In his previous pitch to local voters, Diver promoted his background as a business owner and his employment history with mining giant Rio Tinto. His fall from a position of community trust to facing these grave allegations has sent shockwaves through the Pilbara region.
The case continues to unfold as authorities prepare their evidence for the upcoming court dates. The community awaits further developments in this deeply concerning matter.
