- Adjudicators to provide additional oversight by determining
conduct complaints referred by the Local Government Inspector
- New adjudicator function to replace the Local
Government Standards Panel in hearing Code of Conduct complaints
- Applications now open for legal practitioners
with a minimum five years' experience
The Cook Labor Government
has taken the next step in implementing its landmark reforms to strengthen
integrity and stamp out dysfunction across Western Australia's local government
sector.
The government has opened
applications for suitable candidates for the newly established positions of Principal
Adjudicator and Deputy Adjudicators.
Appointed by the Local
Government Minister, adjudicators will replace the current Local Government Standards
Panel and will be responsible for determining alleged breaches of the Code of
Conduct by mayors, presidents, councillors and committee members.
These breaches could include
misuse of council resources or a council member using their office to
disadvantage others.
Under the new framework,
the Local Government Inspector will refer conduct breach complaints to the adjudicators.
The Inspector will be
supported by a team of skilled investigators and compliance specialists who
will collectively drive greater accountability, improved decision-making and
enhanced transparency across all Western Australian local governments.
Adjudicators will have
the authority to make findings, order mediation or impose sanctions.
Sanctions could include
suspending payment of allowances, suspension from a committee, or suspension
from council for up to three months.
Applications are now open
to legal practitioners with at least five years' experience, who can apply via
the following: www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor
Government's significant local government reforms will ensure greater
accountability and improved governance in the sector.
"The role of an
adjudicator is crucial as they determine allegations of conduct breaches and can
impose sanctions which have been strengthened under the reforms.
"The new Local Government
Inspector's power to refer conduct breach complaints to the adjudicators is one
of the tools available to strengthen sector governance and deal with
dysfunction, and complements the Inspector's focus on early intervention to resolve
issues before they escalate.
"I encourage suitably
qualified legal practitioners to apply for these roles and play a key part in rolling
out these landmark reforms."
