Town of Port Hedland chief executive Carl Askew resigns amid council controversies

Town of Port Hedland chief executive Carl Askew has announced his resignation in the latest event to hit the troubled North West council. Making the announcement on September 9, Mr Askew said it had been a difficult decision to move on to another role and the decision was undertaken with a focus on changing family priorities. “I have spent a decade in the North West and have an affinity for the Pilbara. I hold the needs and aspirations of the Hedland community dearly, and sincerely want to see this community continue to thrive,” he said. “I have confidence that the Town of Port Hedland will continue to achieve great outcomes for the community with the support of both the council and a strong leadership team within the administration.” Mr Askew will remain with the Town of Port Hedland until the end of November with mayor Peter Carter flagging the council would meet to discuss plans for a replacement in due course. Mayor Carter said while it was disappointing to receive Mr Askew’s resignation, he was grateful for the close to five years that he had dedicated to serving the Hedland community. “Carl joined the Town of Port Hedland in February 2020 following the appointment of a commissioner, and just ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. He said Mr Askew had led the administration during one of the most active periods of growth in Hedland which saw the delivery of the Milpaku Kuma Port Hedland Community Centre, various stages of the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub master plan and negotiations to secure the former TAFE site for the town’s future developments. “In addition, Carl’s leadership has supported the organisation to adopt a strategic approach to many of the challenges facing our community including community safety, sustainability and economic development,” Mr Carter said. “Carl’s achievements are a testament to his ability to authentically lead teams and organisations with an unwavering focus on community priorities. We are sad to see him move on to another role.” It comes as controversial councillor Camilo Blanco was censured last week for assertions he made during the 2023 November council meeting claiming the town’s administration was part of a “cover-up” allowing a brothel to be registered as a massage parlour in a South Hedland residential area. Mr Askew made the complaint to the DLGSC which saw Cr Blanco censured.