❓ Hon Neil Thomson questions the Minister representing the Minister for Local Government regarding alleged directions and actions concerning Mr. Camilo Blanco's nomination and potential election as Mayor of Port Hedland. The Minister denies the allegations and clarifies the process for disputing election results.

Town of Port Hedland—Elections34.Hon Neil Thomsonto theminister representing the Minister for Local Government:I refer to comments by the minister regarding the local government elections for the Town of Port Hedland.(1) Has the minister directed the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety to take action in the Court of Disputed Returns if Mr Camilo Blanco is elected by the community as Mayor of Port Hedland, as was reported by theNorth West Telegraph?(2) Has the minister sought legal advice with respect to how her comments may impinge on the proceduralfairness of the local government election insofar as the minister implied that, if successful, Mr Blanco's election could be disputed?(3) Has the minister contacted the Western Australian Electoral Commission or the returning officer in any way concerning the acceptance of Mr Blanco's nomination?The President:The question will go to the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I was just going to question whether there were some content issues there, but the Minister for Agriculture and Food has the call.

Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:Thank you, President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has been provided by the Minister for Local Government.(1)–(3) This question is factually incorrect. At no point in the Minister for Local Government's statement was there reference to her directing the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety to take any action in the Court of Disputed Returns. For the awareness of the honourable member, anyone is at liberty to lodge a claim through the Court of Disputed Returns to challenge an election result. There is an anomaly in the Local Government Act that required the returning officer to accept the nomination of Mr Camilo Blanco. In no way should this be taken as confirmation of his eligibility as a candidate. Town of Port Hedland—Elections