Local government—Port Hedland
Statement
Ms Hannah Beazley (Victoria Park—Minister for Local Government) (1:23 pm): I rise today to update the house regarding the necessary actions taken to provide good governance and stability in the town of Port Hedland. Following the resignation of the mayor on 25 August 2025 and the previous resignations of four councillors since October 2024, the council was left without a quorum. Accordingly, the remaining four offices of members of the council were declared vacant by the Governor with effect from 3 September 2025.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, I took decisive action to progress the appointment of three highly experienced commissioners to fulfil the role of the council. On 2 September 2025, I announced the appointment of Jessica Shaw, Hon Martin Aldridge and Ron Yuryevich AM as commissioners. They will serve as a council until a special election can be held on 28 March 2026 and the new council has held its first meeting.
These commissioners are all highly qualified for this important public service and are ready to take the necessary actions to restore good governance to the town of Port Hedland. With extensive experience in local and state governments, as well as in the private sector, the commissioners are well-equipped to take on the functions of the council and serve the community of Port Hedland.
The priority of the three commissioners will be to adopt the council's budget for the 2025–26 financial year and provide good governance for that community. The long-term aim is to have a well-functioning, stable and effective local council to serve the best interests of the local community. Crucial to that is to have high-quality candidates nominate for council in the March elections and for the local community to turn out to vote and have their say on who will represent them and the Port Hedland community. I encourage well-qualified and well-intended local community members to nominate at that time and for all eligible voters to vote.
