Mayor apologises and will uphold highest standards of conduct

Published on 18 March 2021

City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey last night apologised to his fellow councillors and the State Government following findings he was in breach of the Local Government Regulations for two separate incidents.

The Local Government Standards Panel found that Mayor Bailey had made disparaging comments about certain councillors and also breached the City’s Code of Conduct and Media policy by personally publishing an advertorial in The Echo newspaper containing controversial statements about the State Government.

“This has been a strong reminder to me of the important leadership role I play as the Mayor of our community,” Mayor Bailey said.

“Last night I apologised to my fellow councillors and the State Government but now I want to apologise to the community I represent.

“I never intended to cause any harm through my words, at the time of the two incidents we were dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 on our community, which was a very difficult and stressful time.

“This does not excuse what I said or the hurt I may have caused.

“I have served the City of Swan for 15 years as a Councillor, I am a strong supporter of diversity, inclusion and helping those with challenges in their lives.

“I respect the outcomes handed down by the Local Government Standards Panel and take the allegations and findings very seriously.

“I want the City of Swan community to know that I am sorry and will work hard to maintain the high standards of the office I hold.

Last month, new Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 were enacted. The aim of the new regulations is to better guide decisions, actions and behaviours of council members, and provide clarity, fairness and consistency to the complaints process across local governments.

“We are all leaders in our community. There is an expectation that we are transparent, accountable and accessible, and that we also hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.” Mayor Bailey said.

”I have learnt from this experience and ask my fellow Councillors to avoid similar situations and uphold themselves to the highest standards as per the new regulations.”