Dr. Honey questions the Premier about the lack of City of Perth Committee meetings, suggesting political motivations. The Premier cites the Lord Mayor's candidacy as a complicating factor.

AnsweredQoN 670Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 October 2024
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

CITY OF PERTH COMMITTEE — MEETINGS
670. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I
refer to part 2, division 3 of the City of Perth Act, which required the
establishment of the City of Perth Committee , the members of which are the Premier as committee chair, the Minister
for Local Government, the Perth Lord Mayor and other members. Section 14
of the act states that the committee must meet at least twice yearly, with the
Premier deciding on the timing of the meetings.
(1) Can the
Premier explain why there have been no committee meetings for more than a year
when two should have been held?
(2) Is this more
evidence of Labor's desire to engage in political pointscoring against
the Lord Mayor, overriding the community's interests?

AnswerView source ↗

(1)–(2) I thank the member for the question. I enjoy my
meetings with the Mayor of Perth and City of Perth officials; they provide
a great opportunity to have these discussions. Obviously, my diary is very
busy; we schedule these meetings when we have the opportunity. Something
happened in the last few months about which we
are all acutely aware—that is, the Mayor of Perth is now the Liberal
candidate for Churchlands. That is
his right. Anyone can participate in the democratic process, but once a person
becomes an endorsed candidate of a political party, that changes the
dynamics and opportunities significantly.
Dr D.J. Honey interjected.
The SPEAKER : Order, please.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members! Can we
just let the Premier conclude his response, please.
Mr R.H. COOK : I do not have
any truck with what the Mayor of Perth wants to do with his political career,
but obviously there are implications associated with that, including that it
impacts on these sorts of opportunities to catch up. I welcome any opportunity
to engage with any officials from the City of Perth. I am sure we will be able
to do so when we have the opportunity.

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