Former Halls Creek CEO Cleared of Serious Misconduct Findings

Former Halls Creek CEO Cleared of Serious Misconduct Findings

By Independent Newswriters League

Former Shire of Halls Creek chief executive officer Mr Cassell has been cleared of serious misconduct findings following an investigation into allegations made during his tenure.

The investigation is understood to have found that evidence provided by several senior managers was unreliable, with claims that some information given to investigators was misleading or deceptive.

Mr Cassell took up the role at a time when the shire was facing significant financial difficulty, reportedly nearing insolvency. During his time as chief executive, he introduced stricter oversight of shire spending, a move that is believed to have caused tension within senior management.

While the more serious allegations were not sustained, Mr Cassell acknowledged minor breaches of policy. These included the use of inappropriate language in describing some colleagues and the verbal, rather than written, disclosure of a conflict of interest.

During his two-year tenure, Mr Cassell oversaw progress on the local industrial estate and major social housing projects. He also worked with WA Police and the WA Department of Sport and Recreation on youth programs that were widely credited with helping reduce youth crime in the community at the time.

Some community members have since raised concerns that those programs have declined following his departure.

In December 2024, a meeting of residents and business representatives reportedly passed a vote of no confidence in the current council and called for Mr Cassell to be reinstated.