The West Australian Issues Formal Apology to Perth Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves
In a significant development, The West Australian has publicly apologised to Perth Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves for publishing inaccurate information regarding a WorkSafe investigation. The apology follows an online story that was published on 19 March 2026, which reported on whether WorkSafe was investigating the City of Perth.
Incorrect Assertion About WorkSafe Claim
The newspaper has acknowledged that it wrongly asserted Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves had falsely claimed he lodged a WorkSafe claim against the city CEO and administration during the city’s February council meeting. This assertion was made in the article titled WorkSafe Commissioner ‘not aware’ of investigation into City of Perth CEO and administration.
The West Australian has now withdrawn any suggestion that Deputy Lord Mayor Goncalves misled or lied to the council. The publication expressed sincere regret for the error and the potential harm it may have caused.
Formal Withdrawal and Apology
In a statement, the newspaper said, "We withdraw any suggestion that Deputy Lord Mayor Goncalves misled or lied to council, and sincerely apologise to him for any harm or damage our inaccurate reporting may have caused him." This apology underscores the importance of accurate journalism in public discourse.
The incident highlights the need for thorough fact-checking in media reporting, especially when covering sensitive issues involving public officials. Deputy Lord Mayor Goncalves has not yet publicly commented on the apology.
Background on the Original Report
The original story focused on WorkSafe's awareness of any investigations into the City of Perth's administration. However, the incorrect detail about Deputy Lord Mayor Goncalves' actions has led to this formal retraction. The West Australian encourages readers to stay updated with the latest news through their email subscriptions.
This apology serves as a reminder of the media's responsibility to uphold truth and integrity in reporting, particularly in matters affecting local governance and community trust.
