CITY of Swan councillor Peter Lyndon-James has requested an extended leave of absence from council while he travels around WA campaigning for a Senate seat in the upcoming Federal election.
According to an email sent to all councillors, Cr Lyndon-James has requested leave without pay from November 22, 2018 until May 7, 2019.
“Given that I am asking to be relieved of the council duties I was elected for I don’t believe that it would be right of me to receive a wage when I am not actively serving those who elected me,” he said.
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READ NOW“I do plan to be present in Perth, where possible, at least one week per month and ask the council if I could still attend the council agenda and ordinary meetings upon my return each month.
“I do wish to remain informed and kept in the loop with what is important to my ward and the ratepayers of the City of Swan.
“Whilst I intend to be in Perth, I will not always be able to guarantee my presence and for this reason I believe it be in the best interests of the ratepayers that I request a leave of absence without pay so that I am not abusing the ratepayers or council’s generosity.”
The Shalom House founder, a former drug-taking, drug-dealing, gun-running criminal, said he had a world of experience to offer WA.
“I come from where the everyday Aussie has,” he said.
“Have I made mistakes? Yep plenty, but I have learnt from them and changed.
“Over the last seven years a strong desire has grown within me to see common sense put back on the table.
“I am honestly disgusted in what I see within our Government.
“We are elevating policies and procedures, rules and guidelines over and above human lives, above families, above the values that used to make Western Australia a family-focused, community-based state.
“I don’t expect to win but I must give it my best, even if this costs me all I own.”
Under the Local Government Act the request for leave does not require ministerial approval if it does not exceed missing six regular council meetings.
Councillors will resolve whether to grant the leave of absence request at its agenda briefing tomorrow night.
Cr Lyndon-James did not respond to requests for comment.