Ex-Kwinana mayor picked to ‘monitor’ City of Perth council

She has the power to observe council meetings – including those behind closed doors – and inspect council documents, and can request meetings with councillors and city employees.

Brown said Adams was a former lawyer, had significant experience in local government, and was highly regarded in the sector.

“She will report to me while working proactively with the City of Perth to assist in resolving governance challenges,” he said.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley praised Brown’s actions.

“The local government inspector means business, and he will not hesitate to act to address dysfunction and strengthen integrity across the sector,” she said.

“The message from me to all local governments is clear: lift your game, or we will take action.”

Adams will report to Brown during her monitoring period and will provide advice as to whether the city needs further investigation by Brown himself.

The WA government appointed Adams to the Perth Racing board in October 2024.

Adams was a former Labor member but quit the party in 2008 after losing a preselection race for the seat of Kwinana to now-Premier Roger Cook.

She nearly beat Cook in the 2008 election as an independent