City of Perth election candidates warned about using council time for ‘political theatre and grandstanding’

City of Perth election candidates have been warned not to use council question time for grandstanding as the battle for seats in WA’s capital city heats up. The council faced a grilling at its July 1 meeting over what it knew and planned to do about the Fraser Suites social housing project recently announced by the State Government. Several speakers during question time prefaced their queries with opening statements. This seemed to test the patience of Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, who said question time should serve “genuine community interest, not political puffery”. “Let’s stay focused on what the city’s priorities are,” he said. “Let’s not attempt political theatre or grandstanding by proxy. That is also a reminder to all councillors as we head towards an election.” His noble intentions seemed short-lived when he and East Perth resident Dave Lee — who has announced his intention to run for council — spoke over each other about what forewarning the city had about the Fraser Suites project. The State Government announced its acquisition of the suites on June 26. Mr Lee said he first knew of it on May 22 but Cr Reynolds said the city was not aware until it was announced. “It sounds like this is a big blindside and someone is lying,” Mr Lee said. “So are you accusing us of lying? Just to be clear,” Cr Reynolds responded. He then rejected a proposal from Cr Clyde Bevan and David Goncalves to extend question time for Mr Lee. “Does that mean we’re going to go back and let everyone go through all their questions?” Cr Reynolds said. “It’s not fair. ‘It’s my call and it won’t be.” East Perth resident Jason Bo — who has also flagged his intention to run for council — asked if the city would investigate what effect the Fraser Suites social housing project would have on parking. “Jason, are you referring to the motion that we spoke about earlier today that I’m tabling?” Cr Reynolds asked. “Correct,” Mr Bo said. “And you know that I’m tabling it?” Cr Reynolds said. “That’s what I’ve been advised,” Mr Bo said. “I sat there and looked at you fair and square at you and told you I was tabling it and you know it’s on the agenda, so we’ve just wasted a fair bit of time for something that you’re already aware of,” Cr Reynolds said. “I think that’s a little bit disingenuous.” Mr Bo has featured in Mr Lee’s social media about his plans for the city. Cr Reynolds later closed question time, saying he was satisfied members of the public had received “ample opportunity” to take part and could contact staff directly with other questions.