South Perth council turmoil continues as fourth councillor quits, city announces two new councillors

South Perth has lost another councillor, with another Mill Point ward elected member immediately walking off the job after fewer than eight months, adding to political turmoil plaguing the city. Jacqueline Raison’s resignation, which the city announced on Friday, is effective immediately. She is the fourth councillor to walk out of the organisation in just two weeks. The developments come during what has been described as an increasingly unstable period for the council, as ongoing governance concerns continue to warrant State oversight. Gail McGowan, appointed as monitor in February, has had her appointment extended for a second time, with her term now set to run until August 19. Former councillors Hayley Prendiville, Tim Houweling and Bronwyn Waugh all walked out within 72 hours of each other just two weeks ago. As Mr Houweling and Ms Raison both represented the Mill Point ward and were both elected in October 2025, the people who came third and fourth are the next line in. Gavin Denton was third, and Bronwyn David fourth. The City of South Perth has confirmed Mr Denton and Ms David will be sworn in on Thursday July 9. “Gavin Denton and Bronwyn David will represent the Mill Point ward following the resignations of former councillors Tim Houweling and Jacqueline Raison,” the city said. “As the next-placed candidates in the 2025 local government election where Mr Houweling and Ms Raison were elected, Mr Denton and Ms David are eligible to backfill the vacancies, and have accepted the positions. “Mr Denton will be appointed for a term ending in October 2029, and Ms David’s term will end in October 2027.” The city also confirmed a by-election would be held in September to fill the additional vacant positions on the council representing the Moresby and Como wards, previously held by former councillors Ms Prendiville and Ms Waugh. “The City of South Perth thanks the departing councillors for their service and looks forward to welcoming Ms David and Mr Denton to council,” the city said. “Details for candidates interested in nominating to run in the by-election will be made available at a later date.” Ms David, co-founder of the South Perth Tree Canopy Advocates, told The West Australian at the time Mr Houweling resigned that although it would be “premature and speculative to consider”, she would take up the position if it came to it. “My reasons for taking up the role remain the same as my reasons for running — to take part in the decision-making process for a locality I care deeply about and already participate in (by speaking with councillors and community members, and attending and making deputations at council),” she told The West Australian. Ms David said the current disruption was “unfortunate and brings unwarranted attention to the city”. “The remaining mayor and councillors are, from my dealings with and observation of (them), motivated by a desire to bring best practice and impartial consideration to the matters before council,” she said. Ms David said she had been “impressed” by the city administration’s professionalism and care. “Local government is the arm of government closest to the coalface but often the least respected and most poorly financed, making it a challenging sector,” she said. She said the present council was a mix of people with diverse backgrounds, which provided a diversity of experience and knowledge. “From my dealings with them I know that their primary motivation is to contribute their skills to local government and not to pursue future, higher office,” she said. Ms David said her focus would be making the council understand greener, shadier suburbs were healthier, more cohesive suburbs with greater community participation, and higher property values. She said shady streets had the potential to reduce crime as they encouraged more outdoor activity. “I’ll be focused on good decision-making that enhances our suburbs whilst paying close attention to spending in constrained economic circumstances, and looking for sources of income outside of rates,” she said. The city described Ms Raison as an experienced business and community leader with local knowledge and decades of business, financial, and legal experience. Ms Raison was a member of CEO evaluation committee and the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, as well as being a deputy delegate to the Local Emergency Management Committee for Canning/South Perth, a delegate to the Western Australian Local Government Association South East Metropolitan Zone, and a member of the South East Metropolitan Regional Road sub-group. “I have the greatest respect and admiration for the officers of the administration, members of council and community who do all they can to make our city an even better place to live, work and play, and thank everyone who shared their ideas, opinions, concerns and experiences with me,” Ms Raison said. “It was with great regret that I resigned from my position. It has been a privilege to represent our wonderful community, and I look forward to continuing to be part of positive and meaningful change from outside council.” South Perth mayor Greg Milner thanked Ms Raison for her service to the city. “I’d like to thank Cr Raison for her contribution over the past eight months to council where she demonstrated a passion for community wellbeing and the city’s strategic vision,” he said. “We wish her the best for the future.”