Town of Port Hedland council ordered by Department of Local Government to tackle 'breakdown in relationships'
Port Hedland's council has been issued with a letter from the state government detailing its concerns. (ABC News: Jesmine Cheong)
A state government official has written to a council in Western Australia's north recommending urgent action to fix issues that are having a "detrimental impact" on its effectiveness as a local government.
Port Hedland has often been referred to as "the engine room of Australia's economy", due to its annual export of 530 million tonnes of iron ore, making it the world's largest bulk export port.
The Town of Port Hedland has attracted scrutiny over a series of controversies, most recently including allegations of councillors breaching the councillor code of conduct.
Mayor Peter Carter and the council have been tasked with improving relationships and communication between elected members. (ABC News: Michelle Stanley)
Representatives from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries visited the Town of Port Hedland in February to hear from executive staff and councillors about issues with "governance practices and the breakdown in relationships between council members".
The department wrote to Cr Carter and chief executive Carl Askew in March listing the concerns and actions required.
A 'lack of trust'
The list included a "lack of trust" between councillors and town staff, and "inappropriate use of social media by council members".
The letter, which was signed by executive director of local government Tim Fraser, recommended the council urgently develop an improvement plan.
The department recommended the plan include improving communication between councillors, providing more clarity on individuals' responsibilities and the conducting of "relationship and leadership workshops".
Former mayor and current councillor Camilo Blanco is the subject of a defamation suit brought by Cr Carter. (ABC News: Kendall O'Connor)
It also made specific recommendations regarding the relationship between the mayor and Cr Camilo Blanco.
The mayor is currently suing Cr Blanco, who used to be the mayor, for defamation and the case is currently before WA's Supreme Court.
The letter said there was a "high probability that the working relationship between these two has become or may become untenable" and recommended a communication model be developed that "enables each of them to undertake their role and engage with each other in regards to Council business".
The town of Port Hedland on the Pilbara coast is home to Australia's biggest iron ore export terminal. (Supplied: Pilbara Ports Authority)
Town of Port Hedland councillors met on Wednesday night and voted 7-1 in favour of developing the improvement plan.
Deputy Mayor Ash Christensen spoke in favour of the resolution, saying he felt an improvement plan was imperative in "serving the best interests of our community".
"It is important to note that this motion does not imply any acceptance of guilt or wrongdoing by any individual council member," Cr Christensen said.
"The need for a strong and more unified team has never been more apparent."
Department closely monitoring issues at Port Hedland
Cr Blanco was the only sitting member to speak against the motion on Wednesday night, and called the letter from the department "amusing".
Cr Blanco raised concerns over the letter's detail surrounding excessive questions and duration of council meetings.
"I don't think we're doing anything wrong in that respect — because this is our mandate as elective representatives," Cr Blanco said.
"To oversee the effective and efficient financial management of the town's money."
Cr Blanco denied that he had any responsibilities for the issues raised in the department's letter.
Having endorsed the motion, the council will now develop an improvement plan and vote on the final outcome at a council meeting in July.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries declined an interview with the ABC, however a spokesperson said in a statement it was "closely monitoring issues at the Town of Port Hedland".
"The DLGSC will continue to work with the Town of Port Hedland to ensure that they have the capacity to comply with their legislative requirements and facilitate positive community outcomes."
WA's Minister for Local Government has been contacted for comment.
History of controversy
The Town of Port Hedland has been embroiled in controversy numerous times – and recent council meetings have been characterised by infighting and allegations levelled against elected members.
In 2019, the council was suspended by the state government after more than 18 months of complaints, and an administrator was appointed to manage the town's affairs.
However, controversy continued when a new council was elected.
Mayor Peter Carter faced public pressure to step down in 2021 after he made comments about a woman's mental health.
The following year, ratepayers renewed their calls for Cr Carter's resignation, after he engaged in "inappropriate conduct" during a school board meeting.
In February of this year, Cr Carter was the subject a vote of no confidence brought by Cr Lorraine Butson.
That vote passed 5-2, with councillors airing their concerns over his leadership style as well as international trips to Vietnam and Korea to discuss immigration and business opportunities without council approval.
At that time, Cr Carter said he would not step down, but would look to change his leadership style.
A no-confidence motion against Port Hedland councillor Adrian McRae was voted down at a special council meeting on Monday. (ABC News: Charlie Mc Lean)
More recently, a newly elected councillor made national headlines after his comments on the Russian election.
Cr Adrian McRae was the subject of a vote of no confidence at a special council meeting earlier this week – which failed after more than three hours of council debate and public statements.
Port Hedland's elected members have continually been reminded to attempt to work together and leave personal grievances behind.