Draft:Catherine Lezer

• Comment: In preparing this draft, I disclose that AI assistance was used as follows: Gemini was used to create the frame work and import from existing materials. The text was then hand edited to create the final polished copy Kevin.mcisaac (talk) 04:48, 6 October 2026 (UTC)

Catherine Lezer
Lezer 2025
Councillor of the City of Perth
Incumbent
Assumed office Oct 2020
Board Member, Heritage Council of Western Australia
In office July 2021 – Dec 2026
President & Board Member, Strata Community Association (WA)
In office Oct 2019 – Nov 2025
Board Member, Strata Community Association (NSW)
In office Nov 2015 – Dec 2018
Personal details
Born	Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Education	Master of Business Administration
Website	lezer.com.au

Catherine Lezer is an Australian local government politician, property investor, and businessperson who has served as an independent Councillor for the City of Perth since 2020. Alongside her council duties, Lezer holds roles in strata property advocacy and state heritage governance.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Lezer's professional background is in business and corporate governance. She holds a Bachelor of Business, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Professional Career

Prior to entering local government, Lezer built a career as a property investor, mortgage broker, and advocate for inner-city and strata living. Since 2015, she has been involved with the Strata Community Association (SCA), previously serving on both the New South Wales and Western Australia boards. She remains active within the organization, including hosting and presenting at events such as the CHU SCA (WA) 2026 Owners Conference.

In 2021, Lezer was appointed to the board of the Heritage Council of Western Australia, where she advises on state heritage planning and preservation. She has also served on audit and risk committees for both the SCA and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

Political Career

City of Perth Council

Running as an independent candidate advocating for apartment residents and sustainable urban design, Lezer was first elected to the City of Perth Council in 2020, placing third with 6.34% of the vote under the first-past-the-post system.

She was re-elected in 2023, being the first candidate to reach quota with 16.57% of the vote under the newly introduced optional preferential voting system, securing a term running until October 2027. Within the council, she serves as Chair of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Mayoral Candidacy

Following the departure of Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas to State Parliament in early 2025, Lezer was the first candidate to announce her candidacy for Lord Mayor, running under the campaign slogan "independent, proven, ethical". During her campaign, she completed the national Pathways to Politics Program for Women as part of the 2025 Western Australian cohort. She narrowly lost the election by 70 votes.

Council Initiatives

During her tenure on the council, Lezer initiated and supported various urban policy proposals:

• 2021: Initiated targeted grant programs to assist strata complexes with sustainability upgrades, waste management, and building reports.
• 2021: Introduced an apartment recycling yellow bag initiative.
• 2022: Passed a motion to install a rainbow street crossing to celebrate diversity.
• 2024: Passed a motion advocating for additional green open space and pocket parks.
• 2025: Initiated a program encouraging the conversion of vacant spaces into residential homes.
• 2025: Passed a motion regarding security enhancements on Central Area Transit (CAT) buses.
• 2025: Unsuccessfully proposed a motion to install playground fencing to enhance public safety.
• 2026: Passed a motion for modifications and extensions to CAT bus routes to improve precinct connectivity.
• 2026: Passed a motion to install public lighting along Langley Park and Riverside Drive.
• 2026: Unsuccessfully introduced a motion proposing a cost-saving budget review package.

Council Voting and Positions

• E-scooters: In 2025, Lezer voted against continuing the city's e-scooter hire scheme citing safety concerns; the motion was defeated, though the scheme was later suspended following a major incident in May 2025.
• Night Parking: In 2025, she voted to retain free night parking in the CBD, but was in the minority as the council reintroduced paid night parking.
• Workplace Culture Review: In 2025, Lezer successfully moved to overturn a council workplace culture review motion, citing procedural flaws.
• Infrastructure Projects: In 2025, she voted in favour of a proposed helicopter landing pad in West Perth, which was rejected by the broader council.
• Travel Restrictions: In 2026, Lezer twice proposed motions to suspend ratepayer-funded council travel during ongoing Local Government Inspector investigations and the state fuel emergency; both motions failed to pass.
• Executive Leadership Dispute: In 2026, following the sudden departure of Chief Executive Officer Michelle Reynolds, Lezer publicly criticized council leadership's process and introduced a motion calling for Reynolds' reinstatement.