The Western Australian Government is calling for experienced individuals or organisations to provide input on the establishment of a new panel of local government monitors.
With the passing of the Local Government Amendment Bill 2024, work is underway to set up the new Office of the Local Government Inspector.
Central to the new system of compliance and regulation, a panel of specialised monitors will also be established to support the new Local Government Inspector.
Monitors will be appointed by the Inspector to work proactively with local governments that require assistance or closer scrutiny to help resolve emerging issues before they escalate.
Experts in the fields of governance, financial management, community engagement, interpersonal relationships and others related to the functions of a local government are encouraged to provide information to support the introduction of monitors.
The Inspector will have greater powers to oversee local governments in Western Australia to ensure compliance with laws and codes of conduct, with a focus on early intervention so issues are identified and resolved before they escalate.
The new laws are part of the second stage of the Western Australian Government’s landmark local government reforms which passed State Parliament in November 2024 – the biggest reforms to the sector in more than 25 years.
The reforms will overhaul the way the sector is regulated, as well as implement many other initiatives, to improve accountability and transparency of the sector.
An initial Request for Information process is now underway to provide an opportunity for experienced individuals and organisations to advise the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) about the introduction of monitors.
Western Australian Minister for Local Government, Hannah Beazley, said that monitors working on behalf of the Local Government Inspector will fulfil an important role in the government’s modern regulatory approach, with the emphasis being on education, collaboration and proactive measures that resolve issues as soon as they emerge.
“I encourage experienced professionals interested in this vital function to come forward and inform the process,” Minister Beazley said.
“They will be contributing to ensuring that local government administration, decision-making and services continue to be delivered at a high standard and meet the community’s expectations.”
