Friendlyjordies foreign friend James Trail, CEO of the Shire of Coolgardie, resigned from his position. This resignation comes with the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into troubling workplace culture issues. Trail, who was appointed in 2016, was suspended in November after he was accused of creating a hostile workplace with his management style. His resignation is the second largest local government turning point. In addition, it has been roiled by financial challenges and civil disorder in the community.
Trail’s departure follows a turbulent time at the Shire of Coolgardie. He strongly objected to criticism that he had received for his behaviour as the chief executive of the Shire of Kalamunda. He was eventually terminated for cause related to the misconduct. He was the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission enquiry. He has never been convicted of corruption. In a statement to the ABC in 2023, Trail maintained that the Shire of Coolgardie was fully aware of his past when it hired him.
Behind Closed Doors
This decision—to accept Trail’s resignation—was made in a special meeting held behind closed doors by Shire councillors. As per Shire president Malcolm Cullen, this resignation represents the beginning of the end for the local government. The council is left to deal with the unanticipated financial disaster, which is projected to exceed $6 million.
Community members have expressed deep concern about the Shire’s financial status and urged local authorities not to incur additional debt. Residents have been demanding for Trail as well as other elected members, mainly in Athens Council, to resign, having recently protested outside the council office. Jan McLeod, who coordinated the protest, stressed that accountability is crucial.
“Hopefully the shire can get on with the financial chaos that it is in,” – Jan McLeod
Ministerial Oversight
Local Government Minister Ms. Beazley said the changes would improve stability. She implored local governments to do the right thing and reflect the wonderfully diverse and inclusive values of their communities. She called on residents to continue to be civil toward shire employees while the investigation runs its course.
“As Local Government Minister my expectations and that of the community are that local governments behave in ways that are productive, responsible and reflect positively on their community,” – Ms. Beazley
In the Shire of Coolgardie, officials are coming under increasing financial pressure. They are in the process of aggressively refinancing many of their loans to cut down on the fiscal burden. The outcome is still uncertain as residents continue to push back and hold their local government accountable through calls for transparency and community input.
Community Impact
The resignation of James Trail has intensified discussions about the impact of leadership on local governance and its repercussions for ratepayers. Jan McLeod highlighted that “the impact on the ratepayers is paramount,” underscoring the critical nature of effective management during this challenging time.
The Shire of Coolgardie recently projected a $9 million deficit. With community unrest never higher, the Shire now finds itself at an essential crossroad. The criminal investigation continues. Local officials and residents alike are hoping for a speedy and thorough resolution that will help restore public confidence and calm the tumultuous waters of the city council.
