Minister puts Port Hedland council on notice of potential dismissal after another resignation
The Town of Port Hedland has been wracked by controversies in recent years, including a councillor endorsing Vladimir Putin, councillors calling to suspend COVID vaccinations, allegations of lewd behaviour and entrenched personal conflicts.
The port town, 1,630 kilometres north of Perth, is a major economic hub in WA and is home to the world's largest bulk export port, exporting more than 500 million tonnes of iron ore annually.
The warning from Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley comes after councillor Ambika Rebello tendered her resignation from the council this week citing dysfunction and a lack of effective governance.
Her resignation, the fourth since November last year, leaves just five elected members.
Ms Rebello, who was elected in October 2023, said her time on council was "marked by controversy and instability".
"There has been a level of dysfunction where we are not able to take decisive action," she said.
In a resignation letter seen by the ABC, Ms Rebello said "theatre" had replaced "constructive governance" and she had tendered her resignation "with a heavy heart".
"When we use those formal meetings as theatre — then that in my eyes is a level of dysfunction," Ms Rebello said.
Ms Rebello said the decision to resign was not an easy one and she had been proud to serve her community.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the news of Ms Rebello's resignation was concerning.
She said she had begun the process to dismiss the council, if required.
"I have made it very clear that I will not tolerate councils who do not provide the expected good governance to their respective districts," Ms Beazley said.
Over recent years, the Town of Port Hedland has been reported widely for controversies within council and administration.
In 2019 the council was sensationally dismissed due to ongoing complaints of dysfunction and poor governance.
Allegations against the council have continued since then, with Mayor Peter Carter accused of lewd behaviour at a school board meeting in 2022.
In 2024 the town made international headlines after newly-elected councillor Adrian McRae appeared on Russian state TV congratulating President Putin on his victory.
In the same year the council endorsed a motion brought forward by Cr McRae calling for a suspension of mRNA COVID vaccines.
The ongoing issues have led the state government to act, sending a letter to the council in 2024 ordering members to act to tackle a "breakdown in relationships".
Last year Premier Roger Cook raised concerns over "extreme views" on the council and urged it to "stick to its knitting" following the controversial COVID-19 vaccine motion.
In a statement to the ABC, Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter acknowledged "the council faces some challenges and will continue to work to address things".
Mr Carter said the town has informed the WA Electoral Commission of the vacancy and will act on the advice of the commission.
With the resignation of Cr Rebello, just five elected members remain on council, the minimum amount required to reach a quorum.
If there is no special election for Ms Rebello's seat any councillor absence in future meetings will mean the cancellation of those meetings.
Mr Carter said he was confident the council will be able to consistently meet a quorum and "continue normal council business".
Former WA minister for local government and Pilbara resident Tony Simpson said Port Hedland was "an interesting one to watch".
"The first thing the department would be looking at is providing government — making sure they're passing their motions and providing services," he told the ABC.
"If another councillor does resign then the minister will have to appoint a commissioner to oversee the town and be the council."
Western Australia's local government elections are next due in October.
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