Wanneroo councillor Jacqueline Huntley wins battle to bring neonatal joeys into civic centre

The City of Wanneroo council has gone against advice from its staff by voting to allow neonatal marsupials on council property.

Cr Jacqueline Huntley, a licensed wildlife carer, had been fighting for permission to bring orphaned neonatal marsupials into council facilities, citing the animals’ need for round-the-clock care.

Her initial request was denied earlier this year but Cr Huntley appealed that decision at last week’s council meeting.

A license is now set to be granted by the city, allowing her to bring neonatal marsupials on to local government property.

But instead of allowing them into council meetings as originally hoped for, the license will restrict the animals to a room just outside the meeting chamber known as the reading room.

Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken spoke strongly against the proposal, citing health and safety concerns and potential distractions during council proceedings.

“The city chamber is a professional workplace and not an appropriate environment for the care of rescue fauna,” she said.

“As elected representatives, our focus must remain firmly on serving our community and addressing the business of council without distraction, including the presence of wildlife within council premises.

“Approving this license will set a precedent for allowing councillors to pursue personal interests during official proceedings.”

City staff had said it would not be appropriate to grant the request as it presented potential health risks and could cause distractions during council sessions.

However, Cr Huntley called on her fellow councillors to be “flexible and compassionate” and to support a policy framework that she believes would support carers in balancing both roles.

“This isn’t about bending the rules or disrupting workplaces. It’s about recognising a vital volunteer role carers play and allowing them to continue that work without having to choose between their livelihood or the life of an animal,” she said.

“These are not pets but native wildlife undergoing rehabilitation so they can return to the wild.

“These animals are kept in secure pods, pouches, boxes or carriers and remain quiet and non-disruptive. In many cases, people never even realise they’re here.

Ms Aitken believed approving the request would breach the WA Local Government Act.

“Caring for the neonatal kangaroos, while admirable, is not part of the council’s official duties,” she said.

“Supporting this license could give the appearance of a double standard. One rule for councillors and another for everyone else, which would understandably be viewed as inequitable by the public.”

Cr Huntley wants policymakers to support a case-by-case application process for wildlife carers that balances compassion, regulation, and practicality.

“What I am asking for is a clear application process that allows trained and registered wildlife carers, who are governed under strict conditions by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, to apply for permission to bring these animals into suitable workplaces,” she said.

“As urban development continues to impact wildlife, now is the time for flexible, forward-thinking policies that recognise the value of environmental care alongside economic contribution.”

Cr Paul Miles, who moved the approval, said there was a provision in local government law to allow wildlife on local government property, similar to those for events at showgrounds, which was confirmed by Wanneroo’s director of community and place.

The license is expected to be issued by Friday, May 9, and will remain valid for two years.