Ex-Broome Shire president Harold Tracey disqualified from council for missing meetings after wife’s death

A well-loved regional shire president has been disqualified from holding office after failing to seek leave from council while grieving the loss of his wife. The Shire of Broome announced on Thursday that Harold Tracey had officially been disqualified from council after failing to attend three consecutive council meetings in June, July and August without formally requesting leave. Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the situation, the shire confirmed that Local Government Act provisions regarding elected member attendance at meetings required Mr Tracey’s disqualification. According to the shire, Mr Tracey has formally accepted the notification of his disqualification. Passing on the gratitude of the council and shire staff for Mr Tracey’s leadership during his six years as president, shire chief executive Sam Mastrolembo said he would be a significant loss. Cr Peter Taylor said Mr Tracey’s disqualification was a massive loss for the council and community. “The loss of Harold’s leadership is is a big loss to the shire,” he said. “Now it’s important we get somebody with the experience and the capability to lead the council going forward.” Shire of Broome President Desiree Male said the decision was upsetting for everyone on council. “Harold has made significant contributions while on council and as President but unfortunately the rules are non-negotiable,” she said. “I had a discussion with the department earlier expressing my dissatisfaction with the rules, especially given the circumstances. “There is an option for Harold to go to the appeals board but that is a decision for him to make.” The Broome community took to Facebook to lament the announcement of the revered ex-president, with some questioning whether an exemption should have been made given the circumstances. An extraordinary election will be held to fill Mr Tracey’s vacant seat in due course, according to the Shire.