CALL FOR COMMENT

The Shire has prepared a draft Local Planning Strategy to guide how our community will grow and develop over the next 15 years. The draft Strategy aims to reflect the community’s vision for the future, as expressed in the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan 2032.

All feedback received will be considered and proposed modifications presented back to the Council and the WAPC for final endorsement - click here to learn more.

Local Government Reform

Published on Tuesday, 23 November 2021 at 3:28:45 PM

Local Government Reform

Earlier intervention, effective regulation and stronger penalties

Problems, disputes and dysfunction within local government impacts upon ratepayers, local businesses, and local government services. Complaints relating to local governments should be resolved quickly to reduce the risk of damage that may be done when there are serious problems in how a local government is functioning. Local government oversight needs to be focused on targeting and fixing significant problems and stopping misconduct.

The Local Government Inspector

A new oversight Inspector for local government will be appointed to handle complaints, manage investigations, and coordinate the proactive resolution of significant problems identified within local governments. The Inspector will have the authority to receive complaints about local government CEOs.

Local Government Monitors

Specialist independent Monitors appointed by the Inspector will visit and work with local governments to fix problems, to provide for faster resolution where problems are identified.

Stronger Penalties

Stronger penalties will be imposed by a new Conduct Panel. This will include short-term disqualification or withholding of allowances for elected members who have been found to be in breach of the Local Government Act or Regulations.

Mandatory Training

Elected members who do not complete mandatory training within a certain time will not be eligible for any allowances or sitting fees. They will also be liable for other penalties.

Rapid Red Card Resolutions

Mayors and Presidents will have consistent powers to eject anyone who disrupts a council meeting, with appropriate checks and balances by the Local Government Inspector, to prevent the misuse of these powers. This reform will also be supported by mandatory audio or video recording of council meetings.

Other Amendments.

Other amendments may further strengthen oversight of local government. Early intervention and oversight reforms will also be supported by the other reforms, especially new transparency and democratic decision-making reforms. Problems, disputes and dysfunction within local government impacts upon ratepayers, local businesses, and local government services. Complaints relating to local governments should be resolved quickly to reduce the risk of damage that may be done when there are serious problems in how a local government is functioning. Local government oversight needs to be focused on targeting and fixing significant problems and stopping misconduct.

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Feedback

To provide your feedback on these reforms, please email your comments to actreview@dlgsc.wa.gov.au by 4 February 2022.

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