Overview
Monitors play a key role in supporting the Local Government Inspector, helping to strengthen local government compliance and governance across Western Australia.
The Inspector will appoint monitors to work proactively with local governments that require assistance or closer scrutiny to help resolve inconsistency and emerging issues before they escalate. They have specialised expertise in areas relevant to potential local government issues such as governance, financial management, community engagement and interpersonal relationships.
The presence of a monitor reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the local community.
If a monitor is not satisfied that they have been able to resolve a significant problem, they may report any areas of concern to the Inspector for further review.
What to expect
Monitors work collaboratively with council members, CEOs, and staff to support good governance and improve local government operations.
While monitors are not investigators, they play a vital part in facilitating improvement and ensuring accountability.
The monitor’s role includes:
- observing meetings, including those held in closed session
- adjourning meetings that are disorderly, unlawful, or non-compliant
- inspecting documents and reviewing governance practices
- requiring council members and employees to meet with the monitor
- assisting in the constructive resolution of issues.
Local governments are expected to:
- cooperate fully with the monitor
- provide access to relevant documents, meetings, and personnel
- engage openly and constructively to address identified issues
- pay the costs associated with the monitor’s appointment.
At the conclusion of the assignment, the monitor will report to the Inspector on the outcome of the monitoring assignment.
Appointing a monitor
A monitor appointment can be initiated in two ways – through a request from a local government or by the Inspector’s own initiation.
The use of monitors can be a proactive measure sought by local government organisations and officeholders.
The monitors are drawn from a panel chosen for their specialised knowledge and experience.
How to request a monitor
A council, mayor or president, or CEO is able to request the Inspector to appoint a monitor for a specific purpose.
This request will be considered, and a decision will made by the Inspector on whether to appoint a monitor.
Submit requests for a monitor through our Requesting a monitor page.
Becoming a monitor
To ensure independence and avoid conflicts of interest, some people are not eligible to be appointed as monitors. You cannot be a monitor if you are:
- an inspectorate officer
- a current council member
- a member of the governing body of a regional subsidiary
- an employee of a local government or regional subsidiary
- an employee of WALGA or Local Government Professionals Australia (WA)
- a member of the governing body or an employee of an organisation that mainly represents:
- local governments
- council members
- local government employees.
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