Rockingham CEO Hammond on Perth inquiry panel

Outgoing City of Rockingham chief executive Andrew Hammond has been appointed on the three-person panel to investigate the governance issues at the City of Perth.

Local Government Minister David Templeman announced the Perth council’s suspension today, with an inquiry due to serious concerns over whether the council has been performing its functions properly.

Mr Hammond announced last November that he was stepping down from the Rockingham chief executive position after ten years in the role.

He will be joined by former WA Planning Commission chairman Eric Lumsden and former Perth Education City executive director Gaye McMath on the inquiry panel.

The trio will investigate the performance of the suspended Perth council and provide a recommendation to the Minister over whether they should be dismissed or reinstated.

Given that the panel has powers equivalent to that of a Royal Commission, it shows the respect and standing that Mr Hammond has in the local government remit.

Mr Templeman said he was confident Mr Hammond and the inquiry panel would provide a comprehensive report that would ultimately dictate his decision over the Perth council’s future.

"The community has an expectation that the City of Perth, as our premier local government in the State, is leading by example and putting their ratepayers first,” he said.

"The ongoing and serious governance issues at the City have ultimately led to the recent events and are tarnishing the sector's reputation.

"I am seeking to restore confidence in the people of Perth of the City's ability to provide good governance for its community, and this move is a further step towards achieving this."