Town of Port Hedland election candidates have expressed mixed opinions regarding Local Government Monitor Andrew Hammond being appointed to oversee the authority ahead of the upcoming election.
The most controversial remarks came from mayoral candidate Camilo Blanco, who claimed the monitor was installed because of alleged errors made by commissioners and not the council’s history of what Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has characterised as “dysfunction”.
His claims included the way in which new acting chief executive Kenn Donohoe was hired, concerns about the commissioners’ decision making, the type of backfill used at a future community garden, and the commissioners not publishing a business case for the South Hedland Service Worker Housing project before it was approved.
Mr Blanco claimed his concerns about the commissioners meant “the minister had no choice but to appoint a monitor”.
“This either comes down to the administration not giving the commissioners all the information they need to make an informed decision . . . or they are just pushing the State Government’s wheelbarrow and their narrative that they want done,” he said.
“It’s the commissioners and it’s the administration that needs to be monitored.”
The remarks are in direct contradiction to statements made by Premier Roger Cook and Ms Beazley, both of whom said the monitor was installed to mitigate “dysfunction” from the previous council becoming issues after the election.
“The Town of Port Hedland has a history of being dysfunctional. Last year they lost quorum, following which I appointed three commissioners,” Ms Beazley said.
“(Mr Hammond) will be able to guide and support the new council to work towards a higher standard of governance, accountability and delivery of community services.”
Mayoral candidate Barry Taylor characterised the appointment as a “significant overreach” given the monitor’s powers.
“The monitor can attend council meetings (including closed sessions), inspect documents, and require staff or council members to attend meetings. They can also adjourn disorderly or non-compliant meetings,” he said.
“As I understand, the cost of the monitor will be met by the local government, ie ratepayers. The State should contribute to these costs.”
Council candidate Sharon Todd said she supported the appointment of a local government monitor.
“Good governance is not something we should be afraid of — it’s something we should welcome,” she said.
“If an independent monitor can provide guidance, strengthen processes, and ensure policy and procedures are being followed properly, then that is ultimately in the best interests of our community.
“For me, this isn’t about politics — it’s about restoring and reinforcing public confidence.
“Our residents deserve transparency, accountability and steady leadership. If the monitor’s role is to support councillors, the CEO and administration to operate within strong governance frameworks, then that is a positive step.
“Local government works best when systems are clear, roles are understood, and decisions are made openly and lawfully. If additional oversight helps achieve that, then I see it as a constructive measure rather than a negative one.
“What matters most now is that we remain focused on stability, community trust, and moving forward in a way that serves the people of Port Hedland.”
The Port Hedland council election is set for March 28.
Council candidates Peter Carter, Jacinta Behrend, Frank Edwards, Ash Christensen, Lorraine Butson, George Daccache, Jemma Scott, Adrian McRae, Troy Melville, Janet Gillingham, Jillian Fisher, Rachael Baxter, Zoe Little and Russell McDowall were contacted for comment.
Port Hedland commissioners chair Jessica Shaw was also contacted for comment.
https://thewest.com.au/news/north-west-telegraph/port-hedland-council-candidates-respond-to-local-government-monitor-appointment–c-21820737
