City jumps on legal bandwagon

It made the decision behind closed doors at last Tuesday’s council meeting.

It will join the shires of Kalamunda and Serpentine-Jarrahdale and the City of Subiaco in legal action against the Minister.

The suit will be led by Town of Vincent resident Ian Ker and Perth lawyer John Hammond.

The City said the challenge comes after months of continued frustrations with the State Government process and ‘broken promises’.

‘While we have been very reluctant to join the legal action, we have reached the end of our tether. We have had enough of broken promises and believe it is in the best interest of our community that we take action and stand up for our City’s residents,’ Mayor Sue Doherty said.

‘The Minister’s proposal to abolish the City of South Perth by extending the Town of Victoria Park’s boundaries is inconsistent with the Local Government Act and the Local Government Act (Dadour) Poll Provisions. These actions would effectively remove our community’s fundamental democratic rights to vote on local government changes should they object to the Minister’s final decision on local government reform.’

She said she wanted the best outcome for the community.

‘In order to do that they need to have their say. We believe it’s going to be the best outcome; we are taking action for our constituents,’ she said.

She said the City had been open and transparent in all of its processes.