Allegations of drinking at briefing sessions

The City of Cockburn's response to The West Australian, 18 May 2021 about allegatation of Elected Members drinking at briefing sessions

Question: Is there merit in the accusation laid out against these unnamed councillors being drunk on the job? Have those members been identified by the City? And if so, has any disciplinary action been taken against them?

Answer: The Council has 35 days from receipt of the report from the Minister to review and prepare a response, if required. The City is not in a position to comment on specifics until this process is complete.

However, it is important to note that the report has recommended only that the City undergo an independent governance review and arrange training for its Elected Members and Executive. No further actions were recommended.

Briefing sessions were formerly held over dinner and it was possible for Elected Members to have a drink with their food. These sessions are now held online. The City does not agree with the characterisation that Elected Members were “drunk on the job”. The report states: “some elected members being under the apparent influence of alcohol”; noting that this allegation goes back to 2019.

In the past, some Elected Members have been counselled about appropriate behaviour at briefings.

For more information contact

Media and Communications Officer
City of Cockburn

Email [email protected]

Phone 08 9411 3551

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.