Key Takeaways:
- The City of Perth is experiencing an internal revolt over a ratepayer-funded workplace culture review ordered by the newly elected lord mayor, Bruce Reynolds.
- The review, which is expected to cost $125,000, has been deemed unlawful by the council’s acting CEO, Peta Mabbs, who has since resigned.
- The local government minister, Hannah Beazley, has expressed concern over the situation and has flagged her willingness to intervene if necessary.
- The review was ordered with just six minutes’ notice, and no questions or debate were allowed, raising alarm bells among councillors who voted against it.
- The situation has sparked concerns over the psychosocial wellbeing and safety of some elected members and staff who work closely with them.
Introduction to the Crisis
The City of Perth is facing a major crisis as an internal revolt intensifies over a ratepayer-funded workplace culture review ordered by the newly elected lord mayor, Bruce Reynolds. The review, which is expected to cost $125,000, has been deemed unlawful by the council’s acting CEO, Peta Mabbs, who has since resigned. The situation has sparked concerns over the psychosocial wellbeing and safety of some elected members and staff who work closely with them. The local government minister, Hannah Beazley, has expressed concern over the situation and has flagged her willingness to intervene if necessary.
The Unlawful Review
The review was ordered with just six minutes’ notice, and no questions or debate were allowed, raising alarm bells among councillors who voted against it. The motion to establish a workplace culture committee was passed at a November 18 council meeting, with law firm Mills Oakley proposed to be the independent consultant to conduct the review. However, the acting CEO, Peta Mabbs, has stated that the decision was not lawful and contravenes several state and local regulations and policies. In a scathing report published on the council’s website, Ms. Mabbs wrote that the review would be a "poor use of ratepayer funds" and that no workplace culture issues were raised during a review of the CEO’s performance in August.
The Resignation of the Acting CEO
The council confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Ms. Mabbs had resigned, but no reason was given. Ms. Mabbs was acting for CEO Michelle Reynolds, who took pre-approved personal leave on November 14. Along with being acting CEO at the City of Perth, Ms. Mabbs is the executive director of governance and strategy. She also spent six years at the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC), including a year as CEO. The reason for her resignation is still unclear, but it is likely related to the unlawful review and the concerns she raised about the psychosocial wellbeing and safety of some elected members and staff.
Concerns over Psychosocial Wellbeing and Safety
Ms. Mabbs revealed that complaints had been received about some councillors, and that concerns had been raised with the CEO regarding the psychosocial wellbeing and safety of some elected members and staff who work closely with them. In 2025, 10 complaints have been received from staff and elected members regarding the behaviour of elected members. This has sparked concerns over the culture within the council and the need for a thorough investigation. The local government minister, Hannah Beazley, has expressed concern over the situation and has flagged her willingness to intervene if necessary.
The Minister’s Response
The local government minister, Hannah Beazley, has expressed concern over the situation and has flagged her willingness to intervene if necessary. Ms. Beazley said she was "very concerned about the situation" and had referred the matter to the department for clarity and guidance. She stated that she would take decisive action if necessary, citing her previous record of taking action in similar situations. The issue is expected to be discussed again at a councillor briefing session on Tuesday, and it is likely that the minister will be keeping a close eye on the situation.
Conclusion
The City of Perth is facing a major crisis over a ratepayer-funded workplace culture review that has been deemed unlawful by the council’s acting CEO. The review has sparked concerns over the psychosocial wellbeing and safety of some elected members and staff, and the local government minister has expressed concern over the situation. The reason for the acting CEO’s resignation is still unclear, but it is likely related to the unlawful review and the concerns she raised about the culture within the council. The situation is expected to be discussed again at a councillor briefing session on Tuesday, and it is likely that the minister will be taking a close look at the situation to determine the best course of action.
