Question On Notice No. 756 asked in the Legislative Council on 13 March 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Local Government
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the operations of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council and information found at http://www.robinchapple.com/2018-02-27-abc-goldfields-esperance entitled "2018-02-27 ABC Goldfields-Esperance.pdf", and ask:
(a) is the Minister aware of the report by ABC Goldfields-Esperance;
(b) is the Minister concerned about the situation where the Chief Executive Officer has been making veiled
threats to persons or person unknown via communication with sitting
councillors;
(c) does the Minister believe it is acceptable for any members of a local council, including the Chief Executive Officer to make threats to persons or persons unknown via communication with sitting
councillors;
(d) if yes to (b), what action will the Minister undertake; and
(e) if no to (b) and/or (c), why not?
Answered on 11 April 2018
(a) The Minister is aware of the matter as reported by the ABC Goldfields-Esperance.
(b) The elected council of each local government employs and is responsible for the performance of its Chief Executive Officer.
(c) When people are in leadership roles they have a responsibility in a public debate to show respect and consideration for the differing points of view of the people from the communities they represent. This does not mean that people can't express a view, however they need to carefully consider the way in which they express that view.
(d-e) The Council of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder employs and is responsible for the performance of its Chief Executive Officer.