A deeply divided City of Stirling council has rejected a proposal to join a World Health Organisation network group, with some councillors raising concerns about trust in the health agency.
The council voted 7–7 on Tuesday night on a staff recommendation to seek membership in the WHO's Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. Deputy mayor Karlo Perkov, who served as presiding member while mayor Mark Irwin is away in California on a leadership conference trip, used his casting vote to defeat the motion.
City officers and those in favour of the motion argued that the membership would provide free access to a global think tank of more than 1700 cities across 52 countries, helping the city deliver the best outcomes for its older residents. However, those against raised concerns about the credibility and trustworthiness of the organisation, as well as the relevance of the move.
Support for the Proposal
Councillor Suzanne Migdale spoke in favour of the proposal, saying there was no financial cost to the city and the think tank would only benefit the City of Stirling's ageing population.
"This is a no-cost, high-value decision. There's no membership fee, but it gives our staff access to a veritable think tank of global expertise," Cr Migdale said.
"This membership is the next logical step from good to better to best for our seniors, our officers and our city's reputation as leaders in this space, being mindful that many local governments in WA have already adopted this membership."
"By joining this network, we're choosing to back in the programs that keep people vibrant, connected and engaged for longer, and to learn from what works elsewhere in the world so we don't have to reinvent the wheel."
WHO Background and Local Context
The World Health Organisation was established in 1948 and Australia has been a member since its inception. As an agency of the United Nations, the WHO co-ordinates international public health efforts and supports countries in improving health systems and outcomes.
Seven local governments in WA are already members of the WHO's age-friendly network, including the cities of Wanneroo, Cockburn, Fremantle, Melville, Rockingham and Albany.
However, spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, the WHO's reputation has suffered in recent years over allegations of mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the US's formal withdrawal from the organisation this January.
Opposition to Membership
Councillor Michael Dudek, who ran as a Liberal candidate for the seat of Joondalup during the 2025 WA state election, voted against seeking membership in the age-friendly network as it would carry some "significant risks."
He said the council should acknowledge what he claimed was growing public hesitancy towards the organisation.
"Over the past few years, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, their reputation has been absolutely smashed, and not without reason. Contradictory health messaging, structural dysfunction," Cr Dudek said.
"Entangling the City of Stirling with an unelected international body that is currently suffering a crisis of global trust, I think, is entirely unnecessary for us to serve our community, and frankly we don't need to lend our credibility to help them out."
"I don't think we need a rubber stamp from Geneva to build better footpaths, support our autumn clubs, or improve community transport."
"I think we need to focus our resources right here in Perth, listening to our own residents rather than chasing international memberships that bring bureaucratic checklists and reputational baggage."
Other councillors questioned the practical necessity of the membership.
Support from Other Councillors
Councillor Tony Krsticevic, the former Liberal member for Carine, spoke in favour of joining the network.
"Why wouldn't we give an opportunity for the World Health Organisation to share this with every other organisation in the entire world, to say 'Here's best practice in the City of Stirling. Here's something you can learn'," Cr Krsticevic said.
"There's no obligation for us to do anything other than share the amazing work that we're doing with the World Health Organisation and the rest of the world, and we have access to all of their information and networks."
"I just don't see a downside to it at all, and I can't imagine why people would be reluctant to use the expertise of the world."
Next Steps
After the motion to seek membership was lost, the council voted 10–4 to send the matter back to the resources committee meeting, though no timeline was set.
