UPDATE 30/06/26 – Proposed Budget of Approximately $9,400 for a 2 Delegate Denpasar Delegation - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 30 June 2026, I asked a series of public questions regarding the proposed domestic and international travel outlined in the Council agenda, including the proposed budget of approximately $9,400 for a Denpasar delegation.

In its official verbal response, which may be viewed on the City of Perth's official YouTube channel, the City advised that the proposed budget of approximately $9,400 was based on 2 delegates and included:

• Flexible business-class return airfares;
• Two to three nights' accommodation;
• Travel insurance;
• Travel visas;
• Ground transportation; and
• Meal allowances.

The City further advised that the purpose of the proposed travel would be to undertake due diligence and further explore a business case examining the expected social and economic benefits before committing to a city-to-city partnership.

The City also advised that, if the travel proceeded, the outcomes would be reported to Council in accordance with Council Policy 4.5 – National and International Engagement, with a summary report from the delegates outlining key learnings and opportunities for the City to be provided to the Executive Leadership Team and elected members within six weeks of the delegation's return.

For too long, residents and ratepayers of the City of Perth have expressed concern regarding ongoing governance issues, division, a lack of transparency, the suppression of public questions and deputations, and continuing uncertainty surrounding governance and expenditure decisions under the current leadership.

Since taking office, many residents believe the focus of some elected officials has shifted towards ongoing governance disputes and internal Council matters rather than the broader interests of the community.  The voices of residents and ratepayers have too often been dismissed, ignored or shut down entirely.

As active members of the Perth community, many of us are deeply concerned by the deterioration in governance standards within the City of Perth. Despite the appointment of governance inspectors and monitors intended to improve behaviour and restore stability, the situation has continued to escalate, leaving ratepayers burdened with mounting costs associated with investigations, intervention processes and ongoing governance issues.

Based on the ongoing governance intervention, appointment of a Local Government Monitor and Inspector, repeated governance disputes and the significant costs incurred to date, many residents and ratepayers believe the Council is not currently functioning to the standard expected of Western Australia's capital city.

The community is frustrated that significant public funds continue to be spent on governance intervention, investigations and associated processes rather than improving services, infrastructure and outcomes for City of Perth residents and businesses.

This is now the second major community push for action after concerned ratepayers attempted to raise a Motion of No Confidence in the Lord Mayor after losing confidence in the City's leadership.  Ratepayers had the motion ruled inadmissible at their own Electors' Meeting, with many in the community feeling their concerns had once again been prevented from being heard.  Since that time, public confidence in the leadership of Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves has continued to decline.

Ratepayers are increasingly asking:

How can some elected members continue to operate in circumstances where many ratepayers perceive a lack of accountability, transparency and responsiveness to community concerns, whilst ratepayers continue to bear the financial and reputational consequences?

The simple reality is this:

The City of Perth belongs to its residents and ratepayers — not to ongoing governance disputes or factional infighting.

Our elected representatives are entrusted to govern professionally, respectfully and in the best interests of the entire community.  Instead, the ongoing instability has damaged confidence in the leadership, reputation and future direction of Perth.

Community concern further intensified following the events surrounding the Special Council Meeting of 19 May 2026, convened for the purpose of considering "a Confidential Report from the Office of the Local Government Inspector."

According to the published Council minutes, the meeting commenced at 7.49 pm and concluded at 8.36 pm.  On the following day, both The West Australian and the ABC reported that City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds had been suspended following that Special Council Meeting.

The ABC also obtained a statement from CEO, Ms Reynolds, who stated, "I haven't been advised of specifics, of any timeframe, of any process around this suspension. The Lord Mayor hasn't spoken to me. Nothing has been put to me."

The Lord Mayor has publicly maintained that CEO, Ms Reynolds is on leave.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 May 2026, ratepayers attempted to ask public questions regarding the CEO's absence together with the financial and legal implications arising from the reported suspension.  Those questions were ruled out of order by the Lord Mayor and were not permitted to be asked.

Many ratepayers remain without definitive answers regarding the financial implications of these events or whether, and when, the CEO is expected to return to office.

Many ratepayers believe the CEO has acted in the best interests of governance, accountability and the responsible management of public funds on behalf of the Perth community.

It is concerning that, after approximately five years of service, the CEO was publicly reported as having been suspended.  Significant governance issues subsequently arose between Council and the administration following the swearing in of the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor in October 2025.  Within approximately three months, a Local Government Monitor and Local Government Inspector had been appointed to oversee the Council, with ratepayers ultimately bearing the cost of the ongoing governance intervention.

Minister Hannah Beazley, the community is calling for decisive action.

We urge Minister Hannah Beazley to immediately:

• Remove the current Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor from office.
• Reinstate CEO Michelle Reynolds.
• Restore integrity, professionalism, transparency and stability to the governance of the City of Perth.
• Ratepayers do not want another costly public inquiry like the last one, which cost more than $7.8 million. The community wants practical action that restores accountability and allows the City to move forward with a renewed focus on serving its residents, businesses and visitors.

The City of Perth is not only the capital city for its residents—it represents all Western Australians.  What happens within the City affects the reputation and confidence of our entire State.

If you believe Perth deserves responsible leadership, accountability and a stronger future, please sign this petition and share it across your social media platforms.

Every signature sends a message that the community will no longer accept ongoing governance issues ahead of the people of Perth.

Please note: No donation is required. Simply sign the petition and share it with others.