The WA Government has opened applications for suitable candidates for the newly established positions of Principal Adjudicator and Deputy Adjudicators as part of its landmark reforms to strengthen integrity and stamp out dysfunction across the state’s local government sector.
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 Cook Labor Government’s significant local government reforms will ensure greater accountability and improved governance in the sector,” said WA Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
“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.”
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.
“I encourage suitably qualified legal practitioners to apply for these roles and play a key part in rolling out these landmark reforms,” said Minister Beazley.
Applications are now open to legal practitioners with at least five years’ experience, who can apply via the following: www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au.
