Shire of Broome announces 2024 extraordinary election date after disqualification of popular councillor

An extraordinary election will be held next year to fill a vacancy on the Shire of Broome council after a councillor was disqualified before the October local government ordinary elections. Last week, a special meeting of the council announced the extraordinary election date, conducted by the Western Australian Electoral Commission, will be held on March 23 next year. Nominations for the election will open on February 1, with absent voting and postal voting closing on March 19. Early voting will also be closing on March 22. The election comes after previous councillor and former Shire president Harold Tracey was disqualified from the council after failing to attend the June, July and August ordinary council meetings without formally requesting leave. According to the Local Government Act 1995, any councillor who fails to attend three consecutive council meetings without leave is to be disqualified from continuing to hold office. This is to ensure council members who receive allowances and fees attend meetings and make decisions, according to the department. After the announcement of Mr Tracey’s disqualification and community backlash over the decision, the Department of Local Government confirmed it would be seeking an exemption for the much-loved councillor on compassionate grounds, following the death of his wife. “This is a very unfortunate and disappointing situation,” a spokesperson said. “DLGSC is obtaining legal advice on possible options to appeal this Local Government Act provision on compassionate grounds. “The department will examine whether a more compassionate and sensible outcome can be achieved assuming Mr Tracey wants to remain in the role.” Mr Tracey chose not to appeal the decision to disqualify him from the council, but is eligible to run for the election in March and regain his seat.