Shire of Broome councillor Fiona West resigns after raising concerns over ‘culture’ of council

Shire of Broome councillor Fiona West has resigned less than one week after the local government election saw voters maintain the status quo. Cr West’s was halfway through her four-year term after being elected in 2019, with the reason behind the resignation unclear. It comes less than one week after the October 16 election which saw Harold Tracey, Desiree Male, Peter Taylor and Philip Matsumoto re-elected. At a special council meeting on Monday October 18 Cr West voiced concerns over the culture of council before nominating councillor Elsta Foy for president. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t find my voice and say what I’d like to say in council chambers,” she said. “I’m often frightened to the point where I shake.” In response to Cr West’s comments, Cr Tracey said he had previously reached out to Cr West and offered to talk about why she felt uncomfortable, but hadn’t received a response. Cr Foy received three votes, while Cr Tracey regained his position as president with six votes. Shire of Broome chief executive Sam Mastrolembo thanked Cr West for her service to the community and wished her well on her future endeavours. In a statement, a Shire spokesperson said advice was being sought on the process and timing required to fill the vacancy.