Ex-Kwinana mayor picked to ‘monitor’ City of Perth council

Perth Racing chair and former Kwinana mayor Carol Adams has been appointed to monitor the City of Perth after a relationship breakdown between council members and the city administration last month.

Adams’ appointment is the first major move by Local Government Inspector Tony Brown, whose powers started on January 1 after new reforms came into effect.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds requested a state government investigation into workplace culture at the city in December after a failed attempt to establish an independent inquiry in November.

That attempt, which was presented to the council with six minutes’ notice, was deemed unlawful by then-acting chief executive Peta Mabbs, who subsequently resigned from the role.

The rift between Reynolds and the city’s chief executive Michelle Reynolds was laid bare in an explosive, confidential 30-page dossier from the chief executive and an anonymous letter allegedly penned by former city employees, claiming “punitive actions” and a deteriorating workplace culture.

The two documents, obtained by this masthead, were sent to councillors just hours apart in December.

The letter from past employees welcomed the prospect of an independent probe into workplace culture, while Michelle Reynolds’ letter dismissed the issues raised in that letter while raising concerns about the lord mayor’s November motion.

Adams’ appointment will begin on January 19 and could run until April 17, but may be extended.

She has the power to observe council meetings – including those behind closed doors – and inspect council documents, and can request meetings with councillors and city employees.

Brown said Adams was a former lawyer, had significant experience in local government, and was highly regarded in the sector.

“She will report to me while working proactively with the City of Perth to assist in resolving governance challenges,” he said.

Acting City of Perth Lord Mayor David Goncalves welcomed Adams’ appointment.

“Strengthening organisational health is a priority for the City of Perth so that residents and businesses can have full confidence in the ability for elected members to represent them in areas that affect their everyday lives,” he said.

“The city chose transparency and accountability. The Lord Mayor Reynold’s referral to the Inspector reflects the need for independent guidance to maintain community confidence and drive continuous improvement.“

“Independent oversight from Monitor Carol Adams will support stronger governance capability and administrative consistency, ensuring the City of Perth operates at the standard expected of Western Australia’s capital city.“

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley praised Brown’s actions.

“The local government inspector means business, and he will not hesitate to act to address dysfunction and strengthen integrity across the sector,” she said.

“The message from me to all local governments is clear: lift your game, or we will take action.”

Adams will report to Brown during her monitoring period and will provide advice as to whether the city needs further investigation by Brown himself.

The WA government appointed Adams to the Perth Racing board in October 2024.

Adams was a former Labor member but quit the party in 2008 after losing a preselection race for the seat of Kwinana to now-Premier Roger Cook.

She nearly beat Cook in the 2008 election as an independent

With Carla Hildebrandt