Published on Thursday, 1 May 2025 at 9:48:50 AM
The Shire of Coolgardie wishes to provide clarification regarding recent enquiries and speculation concerning a series of workplace investigations and the question of public access.
In April 2020, the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) initiated an investigation concerning matters related to the Shire’s tendering processes, adherence to Council policies, declaration of interest by elected members, financial viability, organisational culture and additional matters.
This investigation was finalised in late 2023, and the full report is available on the DLGSC website.
More recently, in late 2024, the DGLSC held meetings with selected community members and contractors. The Shire Council was not involved in and was not provided with any resulting reports. Subsequently, the Shire received a formal direction from the DGLSC in December 2024 and responded accordingly. To date, no further communication has been received from the DGLSC.
What Happened to the Delivering Outcomes (DO) WHS Investigation?
In response to concerns raised within the organisation, the Shire engaged Delivering Outcomes, an independent consultancy, to undertake a comprehensive review of workplace health and safety (WHS) practices and to investigate a number of allegations. The Delivering Outcomes investigation was completed, and portions of the findings are being used within the investigation by the external workplace investigator, PSL Legal, as part of a formal investigation process that remains ongoing.
Why Can’t the Community Have Access to the Report?
The Delivering Outcomes report includes sensitive, statements from current and former staff and other stakeholders. These were provided under confidentiality and, in some cases, were not subject to further investigation. Legal advice confirms that public release would compromise privacy, breach duty-of-care obligations, and expose the Shire to legal risk. It is both standard practice and a legal requirement in government settings that reports of this nature are not made publicly available.
Confidentiality of the Current Workplace Investigation
Workplace investigations are confidential and are conducted to ensure procedural fairness and integrity for all parties. As such, the findings being prepared by PSL Legal, to be provided to Council, upon completion will not be released to the public due to its confidential nature and legal privilege.
CEO Resignation and Next Steps
The CEO formally submitted his resignation on April 17th, and it was accepted by Council at a Special Council Meeting held on April 22nd. The Workplace Investigation, by PSL, will continue until conclusion, and the Shire remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and legally compliant workplace.
Council will continue to work with the Acting Chief Executive Officer Aaron Cook on prioritising key aspects of financial management and daily operational tasks after recently extending Mr Cooks contract until December 2025. The Shire will undertake external recruitment for a new Chief Executive Officer once the organisation has settled into its new direction.
The Shire remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the wellbeing of its staff and community.
For any queries, please email mail@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Background
The DLGSC Report can be found here: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/publications/publication/report-of-the-inquiry-into-the-shire-of-coolgardie
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