Veteran councillor axed

A local government veteran has been disqualified from his Kimberley council.

The Shire of Broome has taken action against councillor Philip Matsumoto under the Local Government Act for missing three consecutive meetings without seeking a leave of absence.

Shire chief executive Kenn Donohoe said Mr Matsumoto had missed ordinary meetings of council on April 18, May 16 and June 20, 2013.

“Mr Matsumoto submitted apologies for each of the absences,” he said.

“But under Section 2.25 of the Local Government Act, a councillor must be granted a leave of absence when missing three or more consecutive meetings over that period, or becomes disqualified. An apology need only be communicated to the council, whereas a leave of absence must be applied for and then approved by resolution of council.”

Under Section 2.27 of the Local Government Act, a disqualified councillor has 28 days to appeal the council disqualification.

“However, Philip has acknowledged the disqualification in a letter to me and explained the absences were due to health issues he has experienced in recent months,” Mr Donohoe said.

Mr Matsumoto was elected to the Dampier Ward in 2011 and had a further two years to run in his term.

He had previously served on council from 1974 to 1989 and from 1991 to 1994.

Local government elections will be held in October, with four seats up for re-election in Broome.

“To avoid the expense of holding an extraordinary election, the Shire of Broome will apply to the WA Electoral Commissioner to have Mr Matsumoto’s former seat remain vacant until the scheduled October election,” Mr Donohoe said.

“This would mean a fifth seat would be up for election, to run for a term of two years rather than the usual four years.

"Mr Matsumoto would be free to nominate for re-election.

“I am confident the Broome Shire Council will continue to work effectively with eight members until the vacancy is filled.”