🚨 PETITION UPDATE — CITY OF PERTH CONFIRMS PROPOSED $9,400 DENPASAR TRAVEL BUDGET INCLUDES BUSINESS-CLASS AIRFARES 🚨

At the City of Perth Ordinary Council Meeting held on 30 June 2026, I asked a series of public questions regarding proposed domestic and international travel, including an approximate $9,400 budget for two delegates to travel to Denpasar, Indonesia.

In its official verbal response, available through the City of Perth’s YouTube recording of the meeting, the City advised that the proposed budget included:

• Flexible business-class return airfares
• Two to three nights’ accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Visas
• Ground transportation
• Meal allowances

The City stated that the proposed delegation would undertake due diligence and further explore a business case examining the possible social and economic benefits of a city-to-city partnership with Denpasar.

Should the travel proceed, the City advised that a report outlining the delegates’ key learnings and identified opportunities would be provided to the Executive Leadership Team and elected members within six weeks of their return.

However, this petition is not merely about one proposed overseas trip.

It is about what I believe is an ongoing failure of leadership, accountability and financial restraint under Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves.

The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor occupy the two most senior elected leadership positions at the City of Perth.  Leadership requires more than presiding over meetings or representing the City at official events.  It requires setting standards, exercising sound judgement, protecting public funds, promoting transparency and ensuring that expenditure can be clearly justified to the community.

In my opinion, the fact that business-class international travel continues to be contemplated during a period of financial pressure demonstrates that the current leadership has failed to properly understand community expectations.

Residents and ratepayers are entitled to ask:

❓ Why is approximately $9,400 required for two delegates to investigate a possible partnership with Denpasar?

❓ Why are flexible business-class airfares considered appropriate for a flight of approximately 3½ hours?

❓ What measurable economic or social benefits would a city-to-city partnership deliver to City of Perth residents, businesses and ratepayers?

❓ What specific outcomes and return on investment would be required before any further public money was committed?

❓ Why could preliminary discussions and due diligence not be undertaken through videoconferencing, written correspondence or more economical travel arrangements?

❓ Where is the leadership calling for restraint, transparency and value for money?

For too long, residents and ratepayers have expressed concerns about governance, division, transparency, the treatment of public questions and deputations, and the lack of clear and measurable outcomes arising from expenditure decisions.

Despite the serious cost pressures affecting households and businesses, Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves have not demonstrated the strong leadership needed to suspend unnecessary interstate and international travel and ensure that ratepayer-funded expenditure is limited to what is essential, properly justified and capable of delivering measurable benefits.

As the City’s two most senior elected representatives, the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor must accept responsibility for the leadership culture and priorities established under their tenure.

This petition seeks their removal from office because, in my opinion, the City of Perth requires leadership that:

• Places responsible stewardship of ratepayer funds ahead of unnecessary expenditure
• Demonstrates financial restraint
• Welcomes scrutiny rather than resisting it
• Provides clear and complete answers to the public
• Ensures measurable outcomes from public expenditure
• Restores confidence in the governance of the City

The proposed Denpasar travel budget is not an isolated concern. It is another example of why many residents and ratepayers have lost confidence in the judgement, priorities and leadership of the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor.

At a time when households and businesses are being required to tighten their belts, ratepayers deserve leaders who are prepared to do the same.

Enough is enough.

Please SIGN AND SHARE this petition if you believe the City of Perth needs new leadership and that Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves should be removed from their leadership positions.

Ratepayers deserve responsible leadership, measurable results and accountability—not more travel bills.

No donation is required to sign this petition.