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Are you passionate about good governance and want to help local governments thrive?

From 1 January 2026, the Local Government Inspector will be empowered to appoint monitors to support local governments to avoid dysfunction and provide early intervention on emerging issues.

Monitors may be appointed when a local government is not performing its functions effectively, is not complying with applicable laws, or requires assistance to meet its obligations.

To ensure a timely and effective response, we are establishing a Panel of Monitors with suitable skills across a range of areas that can be drawn from as needed.

If you want to contribute to the success of local governments across Western Australia, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest to join the Panel.

Role overview

Monitors will work collaboratively with council members, chief executive officers and staff to identify and resolve issues, support good governance and report outcomes to the Local Government Inspector. Monitors play a vital role in facilitating improvement and accountability; they do not work as investigators.

Responsibilities may include:

• Observing meetings, including those held in closed session.
• Adjourning meetings that are disorderly, unlawful or non-compliant.
• Inspecting documents and reviewing practices.
• Meeting with council members and employees.

Assisting in the constructive resolution of issues. 

Monitors will have varied powers depending on the nature of their assignment. They will be expected to have specific experience or expertise relevant to the issue that prompted their appointment.

Assignments may occur anywhere in Western Australia and may require attendance outside of standard business hours.

Monitors are a statutory appointment by the Local Government Inspector. They are not employees of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, or the local government they are assigned to work with.

Regular EOI processes are planned to ensure a contemporary pool of refreshed skills and experience.

 Suitability

We are looking for individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance and compliance – assessing council operations, decision-making processes and compliance with legislative requirements.
• Strategic and organisational development – assessing strategic planning, business improvement initiatives and organisational capability.
• Financial and risk management – evaluating financial sustainability, procurement practices, risk frameworks and assurance mechanisms.
• Conflict resolution and relationship management – facilitating mediation and supporting constructive relationships between elected members and administration.
• Stakeholder engagement – engaging with elected members, senior staff and other identified stakeholders to gather insights, clarify issues, and support collaborative problem-solving within the local government.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• experience in governance, organisational performance, regulatory compliance, or assurance functions
• strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• ability to work independently and impartially in sensitive and complex environments.

Knowledge of the Local Government Act 1995 is beneficial but not essential. Experience in public sector or local government settings will be highly regarded.

Expressions of interest are strongly encouraged from respondents in regional and remote areas of Western Australia.

Eligibility

To maintain independence, 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 Western Australian Local Government Association 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.

Remuneration

Remuneration and expenses will be determined by the Inspector relative to the nature of each assignment.

How to apply

To express your interest in joining the Panel of Monitors, please email panelofmonitors.eoi@lgirs.wa.gov.au with:

• a detailed resumé
• a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing your interest, suitability and eligibility.

Your application should also include the names and contact details of two (2) referees who can support your application.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact Tony Brown, Local Government Inspector, on (08) 6251 2117.

Closing date: 4pm, Wednesday 17 December 2025 (WST).

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to lodge your application as late applications will not be accepted.