WA Parliament receives legislation to bring inspectors, monitors and adjudicators into local governments

WA’s Local Government Minister has introduced the next tranche of slated reforms to the sector which could see an inspector position established to investigate complaints. Minister Hannah Beazley tabled the latest bill in Parliament last week following previous State Government reforms to local governments, which included the shift to direct election of the shire president and livestreaming of council meetings. Ms Beazley’s reforms — unlikely to be decided during this term of Parliament — were billed as part of the biggest shake ups to the sector in 25 years. If passed, the new legislation would establish inspector and monitors for the sake of early intervention and to help local governments resolve difficulties and address dysfunction. The new Bill also overhauls the existing complaints system, with expert adjudicators to replace the existing Local Government Standards Panel to make findings on alleged conduct breaches by council members. Ms Beazley said the new laws increased penalties for poor behaviour, with the potential for allowances to be suspended or disqualification for elected members if they were suspended for breaches three times. The reforms would also require councils to publish clearer annual forecasts for future rates rises and ensure meetings were closed to public scrutiny “only when absolutely necessary”. As a support to the sector, the Bill also frees up restrictions allowing staff to work between local government areas, and it also cracks down on vexatious complaints.