WA election 2017: Labor candidate set to step down amid inappropriate behaviour claims
Updated
A regional West Australian councillor is due to stand down as a Labor candidate just weeks out from the March state election, after allegations of inappropriate and compromising behaviour.
Key points:
- Loss of confidence motion against Renee Ellis passed by City of Greater Geraldton council
- Briefing note alleged two city staff members made sexual harassment complaints
- Cr Ellis resigning as candidate for personal reasons, not disendorsed: WA Labor
It is understood the decision by councillor Renee Ellis, who was seeking an Upper House seat in the Agricultural Region, relates to a loss of confidence motion moved against her by the City of Greater Geraldton council last week.
The motion cited inappropriate and compromising behaviour and social media posts not in line with the city's values and code of conduct.
The motion, moved behind closed doors and without Cr Ellis in attendance, also called for her resignation from council.
It was passed by a vote of nine to three, while councillor Laurie Graham walked out of the meeting.
In a confidential briefing note provided to councillors and obtained by the ABC, it was alleged two members of the city's staff made complaints of sexual harassment against Cr Ellis.
According to the briefing note, the city sought legal advice on the matter, but neither staff wanted to make a formal complaint to the police and the matter was not pursued.
The briefing note also highlighted Facebook posts allegedly made by Cr Ellis.
"Nothing like staying in a cheap hotel with the ole sound of rumpty pumpty from upstairs and directly adjacent," one post read.
"Problem is I was kind of asked if I could join in and they looked at me like I was crazy. But anyway after I f***ed [them] all (in the spirit of Rodney Rude) lol, ... ohhhh a quiet spell I hope there's not a Viagra situation next door. Where did I put those damn earplugs again."
"Methanol; ethanol; alcohol its all the same as long as someone doesn't lose an eye," another read.
The briefing note said Cr Ellis met with City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ken Diehm and Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine prior to the council meeting, and they advised Cr Ellis of the complaints.
According to the note, Cr Ellis acknowledged the inappropriate nature of the posts and said she had removed them as soon as they were brought to her attention.
Ellis appealing previous dismissal for missed meetings
Cr Ellis had a similar motion moved against her in September, alleging the council was losing its confidence in her.
She was then dismissed by the city's executive staff in October after it was revealed she had missed three consecutive council meetings between March and May.
However, Cr Ellis appealed the decision with the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), arguing the city had provided her with incorrect information relating to an application for leave.
Internal city guidelines relevant to the applications had not been updated in seven years.
Cr Ellis is still awaiting the determination from the SAT, and has been allowed to continue her roles and duties as a councillor in the meantime.
A WA Labor spokesman confirmed Cr Ellis planned to hand in her letter of resignation on Wednesday morning, but stressed she had not been disendorsed by the party.
The spokesman said her resignation was due to personal reasons.
The party is expected to announce a new candidate for the Agricultural Region.
Cr Ellis has been contacted for comment.
Topics: elections, alp, local-government, geraldton-6530, wa
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