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ABC News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Nedlands election delayed after council sacked, as mayor Fiona Argyle says she was rolled
Nedlands council will remain in the hands of commissioners for longer than anticipated following the sacking of its mayor and elected councillors, after the election of a new council was delayed. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has appointed three commissioners to run the council after last month sacking all of the elected councillors, including the mayor Fiona Argyle. The move came after four councillors resigned within hours of each other, leaving the council without a quorum, with Ms Beazlley describing the situation as an "embarrassing" saga of "dysfunction and disunity". The council was already under investigation by the Department of Local Government over claims of governance breaches, and Ms Beazley said that probe was expected to conclude in coming weeks. Local government elections are slated to be held in October this year, but Ms Beazley said on Wednesday the Nedlands election would be rescheduled for March, to give the commissioners time to investigate the issues leading up to the sacking. Former WA Planning Commission chair David Caddy, a former Nedlands deputy mayor, has been appointed chair of the council, assisted by commissioners Bianca Sandri and Cath Hart. Mr Caddy said he and his fellow commissioners were "committed to bringing trust and integrity back into the governance system in the City of Nedlands." "We have a huge task ahead of us," he said. Mayor Fiona Argyle told the ABC she was not under investigation from the department and believed she had been targeted for political purposes. "I was elected mayor two times by a popular vote of the community and have ben rolled by the WA state government for doing my job," she said. Ms Argyle said this included "protecting Class A nature reserves from property developer." The City of Nedlands has been under scrutiny over its opposition to a proposed park for terminally ill children and their families next to WA's first children's hospice. The park was to be built on a class-A reserve, set aside for high conservation areas, but the land had significantly deteriorated over years. Council argued it wanted to develop the site itself, but the state's planning minister stepped in and took control of the land. One of the councillors who resigned last month cited the hospice park issue as one of the main reasons for quitting.
ABC News
a day ago
- Business
- ABC News
Shire of Coolgardie defies WA local government minister over proposed merger
A debt-laden outback council has threatened legal action to hold off a would-be merger with its larger neighbour. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley rose in state parliament in June to slam "gross mismanagement" at the Shire of Coolgardie, which she described as a "financial mess" amid concerns about its ongoing viability. Council documents show the the shire owed creditors $2.8 million at June 30, while carrying debt of $27.5 million with just $2.9 million cash in the bank. Ms Beazley proposed a "boundary adjustment" with the neighbouring City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but has since been inundated with letters from ratepayers in both communities opposed to the merger. Coolgardie councillors on Monday endorsed a position paper detailing its fight to maintain its independence. The shire said it would "explore its legal position" should Ms Beazley force an amalgamation. Shire president Malcolm Cullen said the council wanted to work with the Department of Local Government over the next 12 months while trying to achieve financial and organisational stability. Mr Cullen and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson were due to fly to Perth on Tuesday morning for another meeting with the minister after she told both councils to reach a joint position at a meeting last month. "The position that we will be taking to the meeting is basically to provide the shire more time to look at enacting a financial recovery plan that will return the shire to financial stability and also organisational stability for the future," Mr Cullen said. "Certainly, just request that there be a bit a little bit of breathing space so that both the Shire of Coolgardie and the city can work through a number of issues that have been identified in discussions so far." City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder councillors discussed the proposed boundary adjustment behind closed doors at Monday night's ordinary council meeting, where the council also endorsed its 2025-26 Budget. Mayor Glenn Wilson said a boundary adjustment was a legislative process which was different to an amalgamation or merger. He said the Shire of Coolgardie would be dissolved if the action went ahead. He said the council had been asked by the minister's office to keep its formal position confidential until after Tuesday's meeting. But Mr Wilson did concede there was little to be gained by taking on the Shire of Coolgardie's mountain of debt. "There has to be nothing that our residents pay for out of this … our residents and our community should not bear the brunt of others' debt," he said. The Shire of Coolgardie has already proposed the sale of a controversial workers' accommodation village in Kambalda, which was built in 2022 by the council to take advantage of the Goldfields' most recent mining boom. The 328-room Bluebush Village was last valued in March in the range of $16.4 million to $19.4 million. Occupancy rates were as low as 25 per cent earlier this year. The shire said it planned to advertise Bluebush Village for sale by public tender from next month, evaluate offers in November and make a final decision on a proposed transaction in January. Mr Cullen said early estimates suggested the sale would lower debt to manageable levels. "It's in the ballpark, it's a ballpark figure," he said. Residents of both the Shire of Coolgardie and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder have voiced their opposition to the merger in letters to the minister's office. Kambalda real estate agent Cheryl Davis requested the minister delay a decision until the shire's financial situation was properly assessed. She said the shire was making positive strides in operational improvement and renewed community engagement. "These early signs of progress are encouraging, and we believe the shire should be given a fair opportunity to continue this momentum without the added pressure of structural changes at this time," Ms Davis said. Kalgoorlie business owner Greg Bowden told the minister it would be "unfair and impractical" to expect the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to take on responsibility for another local government while dealing with "its own internal challenges". "The risk of further instability and long-term financial pressure on both communities is real if this is rushed," he said. Fellow Kalgoorlie business owner John Bruce was concerned an amalgamation would place an "unfair and unsustainable burden" on ratepayers and businesses in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. "Our city should not be expected to absorb the consequences of long-term mismanagement, nor take on liabilities and debt accumulated by another local government without adequate assessment and consultation." Coolgardie RSL sub-branch secretary Ann Meagher told the minister Coolgardie was "more than just a dot on the map". "We have weathered storms before, and while we acknowledge the current challenges faced by the shire, we truly believe there is still time and opportunity to turn things around," she wrote. The Parents and Citizen Association at Coolgardie Primary School also wrote to the minister with an urgent request to delay any boundary changes. "We are considering the children of Coolgardie and the impact amalgamating with Kalgoorlie will cause," Coolgardie P&C president Coriana Boothey said. "It is a major concern that as a small community and small school that we will be left behind and not receive the support we are in need of."
ABC News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Observers reach for the popcorn as City of Nedlands crisis reaches dramatic climax
Four councillors resign, three commissioners to be appointed, and one explosive radio interview. It was some kind of week in the City of Nedlands, and for its Mayor Fiona Argyle. After the resignation of four councillors on Monday left Nedlands without the ability to form a quorum, it left an embarrassing mess for Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley to clean up, as most observers reached for the popcorn. Ms Beazley announced she would be dissolving the council and appointing three commissioners to take the reins. And with the ticking clock of local government elections looming in October, the spotlight is well and truly on Perth's wealthy western suburbs. Alleged in-fighting and inefficiency has plagued the City of Nedlands for years. "The city has not been on the right track for a very long time," Ms Beazley said on Tuesday. The spectacle kicked off on Monday morning when councillor of 23 years Ben Hodsdon formally resigned, describing the council as "consistently toxic and dysfunctional" — and another three councillors followed him out the door. He cited the recent children's hospice issue as one of his final straws — a situation that led Lands Minister John Carey to describe Nedlands as "one of the worst councils in Western Australia" last month. The council opposed plans to build a parkland for terminally-ill children on an A-class reserve near the new $34 million facility in Swanbourne, forcing the government to intervene. Protecting the reserve became a line in the sand for the council, despite vocal criticism, but Mr Hodsdon said there was tension bubbling below the surface. "There were four councillors that were in favour and five councillors plus the mayor that weren't in favour of the proposition," he told the ABC. "I think to a certain degree it was the idea that they were losing control … so I think people had their nose out of joint because of the fact it was going to be built at Swanbourne and they didn't like that idea." Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle sees it a different way. "Leadership is a really really lonely game, but I've learnt that it takes a team to win," she told the ABC on Friday. "That team voted unanimously for our council to proceed and try and protect that area. After the chaos of Monday's resignations, Ms Argyle took to the airwaves in an explosive interview during which she made several bold claims. "I am the most popularly elected mayor since the 1970s," she told ABC Radio Perth. Ms Argyle was first elected as mayor in 2021 and was re-elected in 2023 with a total of 2,670 out of 5,340 valid votes. According to the Western Australian Electoral Commission's website though, Laurie Taylor was elected mayor of Nedlands in 2003 with 3,790 votes — or 71 per cent — out of 5,319. "I was re-elected popularly … twice," she told the ABC. "I did that, I haven't taken any political donations I've done that with all my own money." In addition to alleging councillors "deliberately worked against [her]", Ms Argyle has said security was increased in the council chambers as a result of councillor behaviour. A City of Nedlands staff member confirmed to the ABC a ranger had attended several ordinary council meetings, but it "did not involve anything to do with the councillors". The staff member said the ranger was asked to attend because of concerns regarding members of the public. The mayor also said she wasn't able to meet with Ms Beazley to discuss several complaints about her colleagues' alleged behaviour. The ABC has seen an email sent by Ms Argyle in May this year requesting a meeting with Ms Beazley, which was denied in an email back from the minister's office citing her schedule. "While the council is under investigation, I didn't find it entirely appropriate for me to be communicating with the mayor," Ms Beazley said on Tuesday. As for what's next for Ms Argyle, she says that's up in the air. "Certainly all the options are on the table, but I'm not saying anything at the moment … I'm just trying to recover from what the government has done to a good mayor," she said. Commissioners will run the council until at least the October local government elections, but they can not stay beyond that. "We can only intervene though under the WA Local Government Act to make sure that the state government discharges its responsibilities," Premier Roger Cook said on Friday. With nothing stopping Ms Argyle and the remaining councillors from renominating, should they be elected, the council could return come October. Which means there might be a sequel to this local government blockbuster.
Perth Now
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Entire city council sacked
An entire council has been sacked and replaced with three commissioners to put an end to a long running saga that has plagued the City of Nedlands. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley took drastic action after four councillors quit the council based in Perth's western suburbs on Monday leaving it without a quorum to make decisions. Councillors Fergus Bennett, Noel Youngman, Ben Hodson and Hengameh Amiry all pulled the pin following years of dysfunction at the council. Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle welcomed the resignation of the four councillors which she described as a 'fantastic day' during a trainwreck interview on ABC Perth. Supplied Credit: Supplied Mr Bennett had served on the council for 23 years, telling 6PR all his efforts to get positive outcomes for the community had fallen on deaf ears. 'So I thought it was … time to leave the building,' he said. The veteran councillor claimed notices were often skipped in council meetings and the mayor would often rule against a person talking and when they arced up they would be accused of being misogynistic. 'It's light entertainment,' he said. The former councillor said the only way to force the mayor to leave was if there was no longer a quorum and the minister was forced to step in. Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle told ABC Perth she welcomed the resignation of the four councillors which she described as a 'fantastic day' during a trainwreck interview. 'I am the most popularly elected mayor since the 70s,' she said. 'I am a globalised girl with almost three university degrees that can speak two languages, if they want to put that on me that's their business.' City of Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle opposed a Perth Children's Hospice and parkland on Class A Reserve next to Swanbourne Beach. Supplied Credit: Supplied Mayor Argyle had been at loggerheads with the state government over plans for a children's hospice and park on council land located next to Swanbourne Beach, in Perth's western suburbs. The council blocked a development application from the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation's to turn a Class A Reserve into an oasis for terminally ill children and the community. Planning and Lands Minister John Cary stepped in and took excise of the land to allow the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation to create a park for patients, families and the community. 'No one on this planet is against dying children,' Mayor Argyle said. 'No one hates dying children. Everyone loves dying children. 'It had a Whadjuk Noongar trail on it for 40,000 years and it was the only beach access, so should that go into private hands?' Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley sacked the entire City of Nedlands Council after four councillors quit leaving the council without a quorum to make decisions. Supplied Credit: Supplied After the four councillors resigned Minister Beazley said she would bring an end to the saga of dysfunction and disunity that plagued the City of Nedlands and appoint three commissioners as quickly as possible. 'I'm currently working with the department through that process, having conversations with people who may be appropriate commissioners and provide the skill sets, intelligence and backgrounds that I will need to take to the city of Nedlands to sort out the core governance that have been plaguing that city for some time,' she said. The minister said there was nothing stopping the sacked councillors from running for council again during the October elections, but encouraged them to reflect on their behaviour and the decisions they had made. 'I've had concerns about the City of Nedlands Netherlands for quite some time, so the department has had them under investigation,' said. 'That investigation is due to wrap up soon and will be a useful resource for the commissioners coming in as a source of information.'
ABC News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
City of Nedlands debacle continues, as former premier Colin Barnett revives amalgamation call
City of Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle has made a cryptic social media post as the fall-out continues from her council's spectacular implosion this week. Nedlands's council is in tatters after four councillors resigned on Monday, one describing it as "consistently toxic", leaving it without a quorum and unable to function. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley intervened on Tuesday, confirming three commissioners will be appointed to run the council, with a full spill of all council positions — including the mayor — expected at the next local government election. But Ms Argyle told the ABC yesterday the Minister needed to "check her facts" about her Mayoral position being made vacant. "I'm not up for election for another two years, so I'll still be there — I'm not going anywhere," she said. Overnight, Ms Argyle posted to Instagram a screenshot of a book cover with the title 'All The Cool Girls Get Fired'. When asked about this post, Premier Roger Cook said the government has a "responsibility to ensure that we have stable and functional local government right across Western Australia". Mr Cook was also asked about the possibility of Ms Argyle and the remaining three councillors re-nominating for their positions. "The people of the City of Nedlands may entertain the idea of re-electing a particular councillor or Mayoral candidate," he said. "Our responsibility is to ensure that local governments provide stable and functional services to their local communities. Ms Argyle has been contacted for comment. Meanwhile, former WA Premier Colin Barnett said there was a "continuing need" to reduce the number of local councils in light of the recent City of Nedlands debacle, but the government said it is not on its agenda. Former Liberal Premier Mr Barnett thinks the focus needs to turn now to reducing the number of councils across the state to avoid future "embarrassing" incidents. "There are 137 local councils in Western Australia ... in my opinion, and I think many around even in the local council industry, believe that is far too many," Mr Barnett told the ABC. He said states such as New South Wales and Victoria operate with less councils — 128 and 79 respectively — despite having populations that are more than double WA's. "There's a continuing need [to reducing the number] and while I wanted to see amalgamations during my time to bring the number down to at least below 100, I thought that was fairly modest given there were so many small councils," he said. "There should be reform and it doesn't have to be done overnight, it can be a gradual process in reducing the number." Mr Barnett failed in his 2015 attempt to slash the number of Perth councils from 30 to 16 with an overhaul of laws and merger of the sector, and his government was booted from office two years later. While Premier Cook agrees there are too many local government areas in WA, he said the "system that we have is what it is" and indicated it's "not one of [his] government's polices" to reduce the number. However, he did note the reform the Barnett government tried to get through was "more the execution of their policy rather than the policy itself".
