Fremantle council goes too far: WA Premier
BACKPEDDLING Fremantle Council has moved to shut down ‘tent city’ after weeks of highlighting the plight of the homeless and disadvantaged in WA.
Faced with a festering political sore and condemnation by local residents, visitors and businesses in the port city, the City’s finance committee last night considered a ‘late item’ recommendation to close the camp established in Pioneer Park on Boxing Day without council or proper health approvals.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the camp was dangerous following revelations WA Police had attended 77 calls for help since the camp was established, telling the media today he was disturbed by a string of charges including alleged child sexual assault, physical assault and theft linked to the makeshift camp.
“Two men have been charged over the alleged sexual penetration and/or indecent dealing of two girls aged 13 and 14 years in Fleet Street Fremantle that occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2021,” a police spokesperson told the ABC. Other alleged offences include assault and robbery of a group at Bathers Beach on January 2, a man assaulted with a rock at the park on January 9 and a 51-year-old woman threatened with a knife on January 15.
Mr McGowan said the public and Freo businesses are, “being terrorised”, by people at the camp: “This has come about because the council invited the organisation to set up there for a day or two and then they’ve allowed them to continue on now for the best part of a month. So the council has created a difficult and dangerous situation there. The council this time has gone too far and they need to assist us to resolve an incendiary and explosive situation.”
On notice
Revealing is the FPOL committee’s reference last night to December 21, when it says it was approached by, “a group under the banner Freo Street Kitchen”. At no time, “no indication was given of the intent to camp at the site and the City has received no indication that the occupants are prepared to leave”.
This contradicts claims Mayor and Greens candidate for South Metro Brad Pettitt and City Ward councillor Rachel Pemberton gave organiser Jesse Noakes verbal approval to set up a temporary kitchen without seeking council approval.
Since Boxing Day, the City has spent $2122 a fortnight on waste collection and toilet cleaning; $1210 a fortnight on pressure washing and hosing; and $8910 on extra community safety patrols.
According to St Pats, half of the approximately 100 people camped at Pioneer Park are from outside Freo. And while the council says it gave no authorisation, it continues to provide power, water, protection and toilets to the homeless.
Importantly, the committee received questions on notice which StreetWise has published here and will be considered at a full council meeting next week. Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan left the room because of a proximity interest. It is understood Cr Sullivan has leased his city offices to tent city organiser and Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Mr Noakes.
1. In regard to the establishment of a congregation of homeless people on Pioneer Park in Fremantle, known as Tent City, who/which Elected Members/staff were first contacted by Jesse Noakes, of House The Homeless WA, on or just before 23rd December 2020. What was the exact request made by Jesse Noakes? Did Mr Noakes contact any Elected Members directly by phone or email with his request? When did Jesse Noakes contact any Elected Members with his request?
2. Who/which personnel/elected members agreed to the establishment of the congregation of homeless people known as Tent City? Under what authority did they do this? What day/time did that agreement take place?
3. Does the City of Fremantle have a standing arrangement and provide money on behalf of ratepayers to St Patrick’s to provide bono fide support and assistance to homeless people? Was Mr Noakes’ request for help directed to the representatives of St Patrick’s for their professional assistance? If not why not?
4. The Sergeant in charge of WAPOL Fremantle says she was contacted directly by Mayor Pettit and Councillor Pemberton and told not to intervene by carrying out their duties regarding Covid 19 Protocols (WAPOL is solely responsible for implementing and managing COVID-19 Protocols on behalf of the Premier and Cabinet, Minister for Health, Local Government and Police), at the tent city of over 100 people. How do Mayor Pettit and Cr Pemberton account for the discrepancies in the accounts of this issue? Did the Mayor and Councillor contact the Sergeant?
5. Under what authority did the Mayor, and Cr Pemberton have, as Elected Members, to interfere/intervene with the lawful duties conferred on WAPOL and direct/tell the Sergeant not to obey the Minister’s directives on the COVID-19 Protocols given the direct risk to that vulnerable community, and the community of Fremantle they represent?
6. Why and under what authority did the Elected members and/or the City administrative staff ignore its own Risk Management Policy in preventing WAPOL in carrying out its lawful function to administer the Protocols established by the State Government to protect its citizens, especially the vulnerable such as those congregating together in large numbers on Pioneer Park?
7. Why did the Mayor and/or Cr Pemberton make unilateral decisions contradicting not only State Government policy and directives, but also their lawful requirement and responsibility, to convene their constituents’ elected representatives, i.e., the Council, to deal with the issues as requested by Mr Noakes, (and subsequent requests) for ratepayer asset use and allocation of resources, and follow the requirements of the City’s Risk Management Policy?
A copy of the questions have been sent to the Premier and relevant ministers.
