Western Australia's newly appointed Local Government Inspector, Tony Brown, has moved swiftly to identify the first council that will be subject to proactive monitoring by his office. This decisive action follows a series of high-profile governance issues that have plagued the sector, signalling a new era of heightened oversight and accountability.
City of Perth Selected for Initial Scrutiny
Inspector Brown confirmed that the City of Perth council will be the first local government body to undergo this new, proactive monitoring process. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the inspector's mandate to restore public trust. Brown emphasised that this selection was not a reflection of any new, specific allegations against the City of Perth, but rather a strategic choice based on its history and symbolic importance as the state's capital city council.
The City of Perth has endured a turbulent few years, including a period of suspension and administration from 2018 to 2021. While the council was reinstated, the legacy of those events and the intense public scrutiny it faces make it a logical starting point for the inspector's renewed focus on governance health.
A New Proactive Approach to Oversight
Tony Brown, who commenced his five-year term as the state's inaugural Local Government Inspector in December, outlined his office's evolving strategy. He explained that moving beyond purely reactive investigations is a key priority. The proactive monitoring of the City of Perth will involve regular check-ins, reviews of council processes, and an open dialogue with councillors and administration.
"This is about working with them, understanding what their issues are, and trying to help them," Brown stated. He described the approach as "preventative," aiming to identify and address potential problems before they escalate into full-blown crises requiring formal investigation. This model represents a significant shift from the traditional complaint-driven system.
Context of Recent Council Controversies
The inspector's proactive stance is a direct response to a wave of controversies that have shaken confidence in local government across Western Australia. Recent months have seen several councils embroiled in public disputes, allegations of poor conduct, and governance failures.
Notable examples include the Shire of Dardanup and the Shire of Harvey, which have both faced serious internal conflicts. These high-profile issues underscored the need for a more robust and engaged state-level oversight mechanism to support councils and protect the community's interest.
The establishment of the Office of the Local Government Inspector itself was a recommendation from a 2022 inquiry into the City of Perth, highlighting how past problems are directly shaping current reforms. Inspector Brown's latest move is a tangible implementation of that reform agenda.
Implications for the Future of Local Governance
The selection of the City of Perth as the first council for monitoring sets a clear precedent. It demonstrates that the inspector's office is willing to engage directly with councils that have complex histories or are operating under significant pressure. The success or challenges of this initial monitoring relationship will likely influence how the program is rolled out to other local governments across the state.
For councillors and administrators, this new layer of proactive scrutiny signals that governance performance is now under constant review. It encourages a focus on continuous improvement, transparency, and adherence to best practice. For residents and ratepayers, it offers a promise of greater accountability and stability within their local councils.
Inspector Tony Brown's early actions confirm his commitment to a hands-on role. By choosing Western Australia's most prominent council for his first proactive monitoring case, he has placed the sector on notice that a new, more involved era of oversight has truly begun.
