Report into Town of Cambridge handed down

  • Report into Town of Cambridge tabled in Parliament
  • Inquiry looked at failings in the relationship between Council and administration 
  • The Western Australian Government today tabled a report in State Parliament detailing the findings of the Inquiry into the Town of Cambridge. The report includes 19 findings and five recommendations.

    The Inquiry was started due to concerns being regularly raised with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries about the working relationship between Council and administration.

    The report shows the distinct roles of Council and administration as set out under the Local Government Act 1995 were not being observed, with Council decisions straying into administrative matters.

    Concerns were also raised about the Town’s culture, and Council decisions relating to the procurement of legal services by the Town.

    As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:

    “I welcome the findings of the Report of the Inquiry into the Town of Cambridge.

    “The report found that there was a strained relationship between Council and Town employees, and that the Town’s administration was unable to adequately perform their functions due to fear of consequences.   

    “The report presents a reminder of the importance of a local government CEO and Council discharging their duties appropriately, with sound judgement and in the best interests of the community.

    “The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will continue to work with the Town of Cambridge to ensure that the report’s recommendations are implemented, and that community confidence is restored at the Town.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.