The local government minister of Western Australia is set to appoint a commissioner to oversee the Shire of Carnarvon following the resignation of six out of eight councillors. This mass resignation has left the council unable to achieve a quorum for decision-making.
The situation escalated when Eddie Smith, the former shire president, announced his resignation after two decades of service, citing a complete breakdown in his relationship with the chief executive officer’s office as the primary reason for his departure. Smith, who served as shire president since 2019, expressed his emotional turmoil over this decision, stating it was a difficult choice that almost “tore my heart out.”
In an interview with ABC Radio Perth, Smith explained that he felt unable to continue in his role due to legal constraints and an inability to discuss certain issues openly. He voiced concerns about potential legal repercussions if he were to speak candidly about the situation. Smith reflected on his tenure with pride, particularly highlighting the council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant achievement.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, Smith acknowledged the residents of Carnarvon, stating, “I thank them, from the bottom of my heart.” Although he was surprised by the subsequent resignations of five other councillors, he praised their solidarity as a testament to their teamwork.
Minister Hannah Beazley initially sought to fill the vacant council positions by reaching out to three candidates from the recent local government elections; however, all declined the opportunity. Beazley emphasized the urgency of appointing a commissioner to restore functionality to the Shire of Carnarvon and to ensure the continuation of essential services for its residents. She confirmed that the commissioner would remain in place until an extraordinary election can be organized.
Smith noted that a local government inspector had visited Carnarvon recently at his request to hold productive discussions with the administration and council. Unfortunately, these meetings did not resolve the underlying issues. In her statement, Beazley also indicated her support for the inspector to appoint a monitor to oversee the situation further.
Efforts to obtain comments from Amanda Dexter, the chief executive of the Shire of Carnarvon, and the local government inspector’s office remain ongoing.
