York Shire suspended by WA Local Government Minister Tony Simpson following complaints

By Gian De Poloni

Updated about 11 hours agoTue 6 Jan 2015, 5:01pm

Related Story: Shire of York council facing suspension by WA Government

Map: York 6302

The Shire of York council in WA's Wheatbelt has been suspended for six months following complaints about its ability to provide good governance.

In November, Local Government Minister Tony Simpson wrote to the council, outlining numerous concerns regarding staff conduct and procedures.
He was also unhappy with the shire's failure to properly manage and control a leaked report into the dealings of its former chief executive, Ray Hooper.
Today, Mr Simpson said the council could not prove why it should not be suspended.
"I have formed the view that there is sufficient evidence that it is inappropriate for the Shire of York's council to continue without intervention," he said.
"Nothing submitted to me by the Shire of York has changed my mind about the need for the council to be suspended and a commissioner appointed, so that's what I have done."
Councillors will now be required to undertake training in leadership, governance and meeting procedures, while business consultant and former South Perth Mayor, James Best, will be appointed as the shire's commissioner.
Mr Best will assume control of the council from midnight tonight.
The Minister said the appointment should help restore public confidence in the shire.

Investigation finds 'significant' number of issues

The decision followed a two-month investigation into the shire's activities by the Department of Local Government and Communities.
"During the monitoring period, a significant number of issues emerged, giving rise to concerns about the council's ability to effectively manage the operations of the shire and to provide good government for the people in its district," Mr Simpson said.
In the department's report, it was alleged the shire failed to maintain a proper documented record of its decision making processes, failed to deal with a code of conduct complaint in a professional manner and failed to control public question time at council meetings.
A number of allegations were directed at Shire President Matthew Reid.
It was alleged there were ongoing conflicts between Mr Reid, the former acting chief executive Michael Keeble and other staff, which compromised their ability to make good decisions.
In September, Mr Keeble resigned over abuse from ratepayers and a lack of council cohesiveness.
Mr Reid was also accused of inappropriate behaviour towards other council members and inappropriate conduct towards shire staff which had the potential to the cause significant industrial relations and welfare issues.
It was also alleged he secretly recorded conversations he had with Mr Keeble, a claim Mr Reid denied.
In its response to the Minister's letter, the shire admitted there had been shortcomings with its processes, but maintained suspension was unnecessary.
It said much of the information about the shire provided to Mr Simpson that formed the basis for his decision was not based on facts.
The shire called for an inquiry panel with the powers of a royal commission to investigate its past operations and affairs from June 2004 onwards, during the tenure of Mr Hooper.
Intricate details of an internal investigation into Mr Hooper's conduct were leaked on the internet last year, which the Minister said impacted community perception of the council and its ability to provide good governance.
Mr Hooper resigned in April 2014 amid allegations he misused his corporate shire credit card.
Mr Hooper denied the claims, telling the ABC he decided to resign following a "vendetta" by community members.
"It was a continual vendetta by two or three in the community who used signboards and letters to the editor and complaint systems and Freedom of Information applications," he said.
"Just general vilification of council, the organisation, staff, individuals over seven or eight years - it's just been unending."

Ratepayers will feel 'slighted' by the decision: acting chief

Current acting chief executive Graeme Simpson said he believed there were no grounds for suspension, but welcomed the Minister's decision.
"I accept that he has had the right to make that decision, but to say would I personally welcome it, no, I think there are other ways of fixing issues in a democracy like the Shire of York," he said.
"I just thought that they perhaps needed to get the message and be given advice while they're actually in office.
"They should have been left in situ, they haven't been, but that's the Minister's decision.
"We will be working with the commissioner, undoubtedly he will ask for opinions and make his own judgements on matter, but I can only make suggestions the same as I would to any council, so we'll see how it goes."
Mr Simpson said while councillors may benefit from training and guidance, ratepayers will feel slighted.
"They'll be disappointed that their democratically elected people have been stood aside," he said.