Retiring Labor MP Kyle McGinn accuses Shire of Dundas CEO of aggressive behaviour
A retiring MP has raised concerns about "aggression" and "standover tactics" he says are being employed by some West Australian local government chief executives.
In his valedictory speech on Wednesday night, outgoing Labor MLC Kyle McGinn used parliamentary privilege to level the allegations against Shire of Dundas chief executive Peter Fitchat.
The shire is based in the small gold mining town of Norseman and covers a huge area in the remote south-east.
Mr McGinn described Mr Fitchat, who has held his position since 2018, as "another person in a position of power who likes to be aggressive".
"He literally squared up with me in the council chambers one day, swearing and going red in the face," Mr McGinn said.
Mr McGinn's remarks come three years after he used parliamentary privilege to raise allegations against former Kalgoorlie-Boulder chief executive John Walker, who left the role in 2021.
"My first encounter with John was him steaming towards me, yelling and screaming and swearing," Mr McGinn said in his valedictory speech.
Mr Walker told the ABC he did not wish to comment.
In a written response, Mr Fitchat told the ABC that he was surprised that Mr McGinn viewed their interactions "in such a colourful light".
"I had understood them to be nothing more than robust and frank discussions [of] the kind often necessary when addressing serious issues raised by council resolutions and the challenges faced by remote local governments," he said.
"I can assure the public that passion for regional advocacy is not aggression — it's simply a reflection of the urgency and commitment required when advocating for often overlooked communities."
Mr Fitchat said he "had a good laugh" at Mr McGinn's "Temu" comparison.
"I always knew I was a unique model, just perhaps with a lot more accessories and no free shipping," he said.
Mr McGinn, a former union worker and MP since 2017, said in his speech that a number of regional local governments were dysfunctional.
"Local government CEOs like Peter and John ought to be reminded they are not elected officials," he said.
"They are there at the behest of elected council.
"The way local governments should function is not how they actually function, particularly in regional WA.
"In some cases unelected CEOs and directors will use standover tactics to force elected members to comply with their own personal agendas."
Mr Fitchat said he was "well aware" that chief executives served "at the direction of elected members".
"Our council model in Dundas has been one of unity, innovation, and transparency," he said.
Mr Fitchat wished Mr McGinn well for "his next chapter".
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