Commissioner of the Shire of Derby–West Kimberley—Appointment
Brief ministerial statement
Ms Hannah Beazley (Victoria Park—Minister for Local Government) (1:16 pm) : I rise to advise members of the appointment of the Commissioner of the Shire of Derby–West Kimberley, under the Local Government Act 1995. To ensure good governance for the ratepayers, residents and stakeholders until the next local government elections, the appointment of the commissioner to the Derby–West Kimberley was required due to the resignation of five councillors from its nine-member council. Under the act, a commissioner can be appointed to fulfil the role of the council and exercise its powers if more than half of the council positions become vacant. As a result of the appointment of a commissioner, the remaining councillor positions have been declared vacant. I am pleased to advise the house that Mr Jeff Gooding PSM has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Shire of Derby–West Kimberley, and commenced the role on Friday, 18 April 2025. Mr Gooding will continue in the role until after the local government elections are held on 18 October 2025, when a new council will be elected and hold its first meeting.
Mr Gooding is a highly experienced and respected member of the Kimberley community. He is a Public Service Medal recipient and has 46 years' experience working at senior levels of local and state government in the Kimberley Region. In addition, he is a former chief executive officer and board member of the Kimberley Development Commission. He serves as an elected member of the Shire of Wyndham–East Kimberley and has previously held senior positions in numerous community groups in the region. As members can surmise, Mr Gooding has a wealth of experience at senior levels of local and state government in the Kimberley region and is a well-respected administrator and community member. I am confident Mr Gooding will provide stability and astute guidance for the Shire of Derby–West Kimberley during his term as commissioner. Residents and ratepayers of the Derby and West Kimberley region can be assured that the governance and functions of the council will be fulfilled to high standard under Mr Gooding's leadership. I urge dedicated community members of the shire to consider nominating for election. I also urge the people of Derby and West Kimberley to turn out to vote in the upcoming local government elections to have their say on the make-up of their new council. I am sure members will join me in supporting Mr Gooding and good governance at the Shire of Derby–West Kimberley. I know our member for Kimberley, Divina D'Anna, particularly sends her best wishes to the commissioner and administration of the shire.
