Hollett to leave Water Corp

Water Corporation chairman Mike Hollett has tendered his resignation, citing business and family interests, just two months after being reappointed to the role.

Water Corp announced the resignation on its website last week but has not disclosed further information as to Mr Hollett's sudden departure.

Minister Dave Kelly has stated he is unable to comment because of legal issues.

Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Tjorn Sibma said he was concerned the announcement was stage-managed by both the Water Corporation and Cabinet ministers.

"This is just another in a long list of events where the government refuses to tell the public the truth," Mr Sibma told reporters this morning.

He said the state government's refusal to comment on Mr Hollett's departure invoked further speculation and questions from the Western Australian public.

"Public confidence must be restored in the Water Corp's operations because it delivers such an essential service."

Mr Hollett was appointed to the Water Corporation board as a non-executive director in 2012 and appointed chairman in 2017.

He has been a director of property company H&H Development Enterprises since 2014 and chairman of the Ocean Gardens retirement village since 2016.

Mr Hollett is also currently a director of the Kimberley Marine Support Base, having joined the board in 2018.

He was the chief executive of National Lifestyle Villages from 2008 to 2012.

Water Corporation said a new chairman would be appointed in due course, with deputy chairman David Lock to act as chairman in the interim.

Mr Lock was appointed to the board as a non-executive director in 2014 and was appointed as deputy chairman in 2017.

He is also the chairman of Water Corporation’s audit and risk committee.

Mr Lock is the special counsel of consultancy group Cannings Purple and holds senior management roles in Australian food and agribusiness companies, Sea Harvest and Odeum Farms.