- Work begins to establish a panel of local
government monitors after the passing of the biggest reforms to the sector in
25 years
- Monitors to assist new Local Government
Inspector to help regulate sector, with a focus on early intervention
- Experienced
professionals and organisations encouraged to provide information as part of a
market sounding to support introduction of monitors
The
Cook Labor Government is seeking experienced individuals or organisations to
provide input as work begins to establish 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 WA Government's landmark local
government reforms which passed WA Parliament in November - 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.
More information is
available on the DLGSC website at www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/monitorRFI.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Monitors working on
behalf of the Local Government Inspector will fulfil an important role in our Cook
Labor 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.
"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."
