City of Perth to hold elections in October

The City of Perth will hold elections on October 17, Local Government Minister David Templeman announced today, following the council’s dissolution.

The council, which had been suspended and subject to an inquiry in March 2018 due to allegations of corruption originating from the Corruption and Crime Commission of WA in 2015, was dissolved as the original inquiry had lasted beyond two years.

Councils can be suspended for a maximum period of only two years.

A new election is now necessary, as five of the city’s nine suspended councillors vacated their positions ahead of last year's elections in October.

Announcing the election date today, Mr Templeman said the inquiry into the City of Perth so far had been extensive and needed to be extended beyond two years.

“It is my intention to hold new elections for the City of Perth council on October 17, 2020, which will see the electoral cycle align with the general local government election cycle,” Mr Templeman said.

Tourism WA commissioner and Bain Media managing director Di Bain has reportedly confirmed she will run for the position of Lord Mayor, while Channel 7 host and local celebrity Basil Zempilas has publicly toyed with running for the position.

The inquiry’s report will be made available in April.