City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds breaks silence after explosive psychosocial risk assessment leaked

City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has broken his silence after a confidential psychosocial risk assessment was leaked, which revealed issues within the city council. Inappropriate workplace behaviour directed at women, and an almost complete breakdown between some councillors and staff, which had created a work environment that posed psychological risks, were identified in the report leaked to the ABC last Thursday. The relationship between chief executive Michelle Reynolds and Mr Reynolds had entered into a “conflict spiral”, the report also found. In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Reynolds said “the assessment focuses on identifying and evaluating work systems rather than cataloguing or making findings regarding individual behaviours or interactions”. “The assessment considers individual experiences and perception when identifying risks, including where there is competing views,” he said. The report put forward 18 recommendations, which required “immediate action”. Mr Reynolds said the city “welcomes” the report and would carefully consider and implement its recommendations. “This work contributes to broader understanding across the local government sector, identifying systemic challenges that can arise within complex governance environments and outlining potential approaches to addressing those challenges,” he said. “The City of Perth has experienced a heightened level of public attention in recent months, and the report provides a constructive framework to support improvement and stability.” Mr Reynolds said the city commissioned the assessment to “better understand organisational and systemic factors relevant to the wellbeing and safety of elected members and staff who work closely with council”. He said the independent assessment was intended to “support a safe and professional working environment”. Ms Reynolds has been contacted for comment. The City of Perth is scheduled to hold its annual electors general meeting tonight at 5pm.