Mayor censured over markets lease

by Lyndsey Wetton

April 30, 2008

FREMANTLE mayor Peter Tagliaferri was censured on April 29 at a special meeting of electors, for what electors allege were inappropriate dealings over the recently granted 18-year lease of Fremantle Markets.

The meeting overwhelmingly voted to censure Mr Tagliaferri, over his alleged failure to ensure a democratic process over the award of the new lease, to the Murdoch family earlier this year.

Locals attending the powwow agreed the mayor had failed to open the business plan for the markets to any other potential lessees (including the National Trust) and had not followed a fair and democratic decision making process.

Cr Les Lauder, who on April 29 (eMU News – Freo councillor accuses colleagues of secret Markets meetings) spoke out against the mayor and other Fremantle councillors, says the fact Mr Tagliaferri had to be censured was “disgusting”, but appropriate. Cr also says the issue will need to be further dealt with legally, and by the council.

“A councillor came out and said he voted the way he did because of pretty strong intimidation,” Cr Lauder said on April 30 about the initial vote to award the lease to the Murdochs.

Also on April 30, Ian Alexander, of the Fremantle Society, said the council voted in favour of the new lease after legal action was mooted by the Murdochs. He criticised this move by council as undemocratic, and said it was against advice they were given.

“The legal advice was that even if it did go to court the council had a very good chance,” Dr Alexander said.

Mr Tagliaferri was unavailable for comment.