When the people of Fremantle and the rest of Western Australia vote for their local council representatives today, the City of Canning’s 51,000 eligible voters are denied their democratic right because Canning council was suspended in November last year and a commissioner appointed.

An initial inquiry by the Department of Local Government and adverse findings-not yet investigated-were found against Council, not staff members. The Department withheld Councillors “natural justice submissions”, but as a result of public pressure the authorised inquiry, with similar powers to a Royal Commission, will now be held publicly and transcripts of proceedings uploaded daily.

Two councillors resigned, and as off today the term for the mayor and four councillors expires, which only leaves 4 elected members, which is not enough to make up a Council.

If the Authority inquiry finishes on time in March 2014 there is just enough time for a special election, but…