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Tensions run high at Perth council meeting over former CEO's sacking

Councillor leaves chamber after question about contact with dismissed chief executive

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources2 outlets
Tensions within the City of Perth council over the dismissal of former chief executive Michelle Reynolds spilled into public view at a meeting on Wednesday night, with Councillor Catherine Lezer leaving the chamber after a question about her contact with Reynolds.

Councillor Lezer left the city's ordinary council meeting when a member of the public asked whether she had made any contact with Reynolds since the former chief executive was placed on leave on May 20. Reynolds was later sacked by the council on September 23.

In response to the question, Lezer said she had begun writing an email to the former chief executive about many different topics. "The substance of [the email] was something like, when Michelle Reynolds stepped in to become CEO in August 2020, she stepped into an organisation that was reeling from the previous inquiry," she said.

Lezer praised Reynolds' record, saying she "immediately launched the evolution to excellence and implemented all of the 215 Perth inquiry recommendations by 2024, and turning the City into a high-performance service organisation."

The meeting comes amid ongoing turmoil at the council, which has faced a series of investigations into its operations.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The public airing of internal council divisions raises questions about governance and stability at the City of Perth.
  • The dismissal of a chief executive is a significant decision that affects the administration's leadership and public trust.
  • The episode may foreshadow further scrutiny of councillor conduct and decision-making.

Background

The City of Perth has been under pressure since an earlier inquiry led to a wide-ranging reform program. Former chief executive Michelle Reynolds was placed on leave in May and dismissed in September. The council now faces another inquiry, described in a related report as one "with teeth," adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty.

Key Perspectives

Councillor Catherine Lezer: Defends her actions, saying she had begun an email to Reynolds and praising her achievements in implementing all 215 recommendations from the previous inquiry by 2024.

Members of the public: The question put to Lezer reflects public concern about transparency and whether councillors have maintained appropriate distance from a dismissed executive.

Critics and skeptics: The fact that a councillor felt the need to leave the chamber rather than answer directly may be seen as evasive, and could fuel concerns about the council's ability to move past the controversy.

What to Watch

  • Whether Lezer releases the content of her email to Reynolds.
  • The progress and findings of the new inquiry into the City of Perth.
  • Any further public statements from councillors or the mayor addressing the dismissal and its aftermath.

Sources

Zotpaper

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