Templeman puts Town of Cambridge on notice

Local Government Minister David Templeman has issued the Town of Cambridge with a 'show cause' notice, giving the council 21 days before it is suspended for a period of up to six months.

According to Mr Templeman, the notice follows an inquiry launched in April 2018 into complaints regarding the relationship between the town's council and administration.

That inquiry, which remains ongoing, has given the minister reason to suspect the council’s elected members had failed to understand the scope of their roles or how to run a workplace free of intimidation and undue pressure.

If suspended, the council may be required to under governance training to rectify the issue.

Mr Templeman said he did not take these actions lightly.

“I have concerns about the town’s ability to effectively manage operations and provide good governance for the people in its community,” he said.

“I have formed a suspicion about matters in the 'show cause' notice that, if correct, would make it inappropriate for the council to continue to act.

“I am committed to protecting the interests of ratepayers and ensuring residents and businesses in the Town of Cambridge can have confidence in their council.”

The Town of Cambridge constitutes the suburbs of City Beach, Floreat, Wembley and West Leederville, as well as parts of Daglish, Jolimont, Mt Claremont and Wembley Downs.

John Giorgi has served as the town's chief executive since 2018, after a 20-year stint as chief executive for The City of Vincent.

Keri Shannon has served as mayor since 2015.

The Town of Cambridge has been approached for comment.

More to come.