Shire of Carnarvon declares vote of no-confidence in State, Federal governments for handling of at-risk youth

The Shire of Carnarvon has declared a vote of no-confidence in the State and Federal governments for their handling of vulnerable children across regional WA. On Tuesday at the ordinary council meeting, councillors unanimously voted in favour of an urgent motion to declare its stance, saying governments had failed to implement recommendations from major inquiries to assist at-risk youth. The decision comes after local MP Merome Beard’s vehicle was allegedly stolen late on Sunday night while preparing for pre-polls to open the next morning in Carnarvon, with three juveniles charged over the incident. The North West Central MLA said she had left her car running while she was looking in the glove box on the passenger side when the accused group jumped in the car and drove away. According to police, the car was used in a ram raid at Bottlemart Express in Carnarvon, with CCTV footage showing multiple cartons were taken. The bottle shop owner said at least $30,000 of damage was caused. The three juveniles charged over the incident are aged 12, 15 and 16. The shire said it was not in crisis, but taking action, saying the decision was not about blame, rather calling for investment and solutions to break the cycle for young people. An action plan has been issued by the shire, calling for all levels of government to respond through several measures. A priority would be to create a regional youth crisis response task force, bringing together local governments, Aboriginal groups, law enforcement, and community leaders to co-ordinate a response. Also included was investment in early intervention and community-led diversion programs, immediate funding for social housing and crisis accommodation in regional WA, and an accountability framework with regular reporting. Shire president Eddie Smith said change needed to occur not just in Carnarvon, but across regional WA. “We need immediate investment in intervention programs, crisis accommodation, and long-term social infrastructure to ensure a safer future for our children,” he said. “Governments must work with local communities, frontline services, and Aboriginal organisations to deliver meaningful change.” The shire said it will stand firm on its decision of no confidence until action is taken.