City of Karratha special election to replace shock councillor resignation

A special election to replace councillor Pablo Miller after his shock resignation earlier this month has been slated for October 17 following endorsement from council at the ordinary council meeting on Monday (July 29). First elected in 2017, Mr Miller has been a stalwart presence at council meetings, missing only one session throughout his term. But the City of Karratha announced Mr Miller’s exit from council on July 5, although the particulars around why remain unknown. Earlier this year, Mr Miller resigned from his position at Triple M, a move that allowed him to participate in council meetings remotely while he travelled to the East Coast to visit family, with the Mayor’s endorsement. Mr Miller’s was re-elected to council four a four year term in 2021 with his term originally set to expire on 17 October 2025. The election will cost the town an estimated $73,000 which will covers costs of 12,870 postal packs being issued and for a Returning Officer to be appointed to conduct the election locally and using CountWA software. City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the City would work with the WA Electoral Commission to deliver the postal vote. “I’d like to thank Pablo for his years of service to Karratha and his hard work on council to help improve our City,” he said. “Serving on council is a great honour, and I encourage everyone who is community minded and wants to make a difference to consider putting their hat in the ring. “In the lead up to the extraordinary election we will be providing more information on how people can put their hand up for council and run for the seat.” Nominations are expected to open late August.