Demand Enactment of Section 5.7 for Port Hedland


Demand Enactment of Section 5.7 for Port Hedland
The issue
In Port Hedland, Western Australia, our democratic rights are being stifled by actions that limit the effectiveness of our local governance. Our ex-Mayor has repeatedly used his power to undermine the democratic process. From vetoing Extraordinary Elections needed to replace resigned Councillors to halting the CEO recruitment process, he has consistently taken actions that disrupt the orderly and democratic functioning of our local government.
One of the most disconcerting actions was his misrepresentation concerning his resignation, which led to jeopardizing the integrity of our Elected Body of Councillors. These actions threaten the very essence of democracy, a cornerstone of our free society, and must be addressed with urgency and fervor.
Currently, Port Hedland is at a critical juncture. The passage of the '25-'26 Budget is imperative for the town's development and financial planning. However, due to the disruptions caused by the current political climate, a Special Council Meeting is necessary. This meeting requires a reduced quorum to proceed, and this is where Section 5.7 of the Western Australia Local Government Act (WA LGA) comes into play.
We call upon the Minister for Local Government to enact Section 5.7 of the WA LGA to allow for a one-off reduced-quorum Special Council Meeting. This action would pave the way for the crucial budget to be passed, enabling Port Hedland to plan and allocate resources effectively for the year '25-'26.
Furthermore, we request that Port Hedland be allowed to enter caretaker mode, much like other West Australian Councils, allowing normal operations to continue smoothly until the general WA Council elections in October.
Our democracy should not be held hostage by those seeking to suppress it. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the governance of Port Hedland puts its citizens first and moves forward with transparency and integrity.
Sign this petition to demand that the future of Port Hedland is secured through the enactment of Section 5.7, guaranteeing that democracy prevails and our town’s needs are prioritized.

1,283
The issue
In Port Hedland, Western Australia, our democratic rights are being stifled by actions that limit the effectiveness of our local governance. Our ex-Mayor has repeatedly used his power to undermine the democratic process. From vetoing Extraordinary Elections needed to replace resigned Councillors to halting the CEO recruitment process, he has consistently taken actions that disrupt the orderly and democratic functioning of our local government.
One of the most disconcerting actions was his misrepresentation concerning his resignation, which led to jeopardizing the integrity of our Elected Body of Councillors. These actions threaten the very essence of democracy, a cornerstone of our free society, and must be addressed with urgency and fervor.
Currently, Port Hedland is at a critical juncture. The passage of the '25-'26 Budget is imperative for the town's development and financial planning. However, due to the disruptions caused by the current political climate, a Special Council Meeting is necessary. This meeting requires a reduced quorum to proceed, and this is where Section 5.7 of the Western Australia Local Government Act (WA LGA) comes into play.
We call upon the Minister for Local Government to enact Section 5.7 of the WA LGA to allow for a one-off reduced-quorum Special Council Meeting. This action would pave the way for the crucial budget to be passed, enabling Port Hedland to plan and allocate resources effectively for the year '25-'26.
Furthermore, we request that Port Hedland be allowed to enter caretaker mode, much like other West Australian Councils, allowing normal operations to continue smoothly until the general WA Council elections in October.
Our democracy should not be held hostage by those seeking to suppress it. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the governance of Port Hedland puts its citizens first and moves forward with transparency and integrity.
Sign this petition to demand that the future of Port Hedland is secured through the enactment of Section 5.7, guaranteeing that democracy prevails and our town’s needs are prioritized.

1,283
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Petition created on 25 August 2025