More scrutiny for regional councils

Greater Bunbury councils will be better scrutinised, according to the State Government which has moved to scrap independent auditors.

The State’s Auditor General will now extend its jurisdiction to all local governments in response to calls from the Corruption and Crime Commission and Public Accounts Committee.

The changes come as Bunbury City Council last week appointed an auditor for a one year period instead of its ordinary three-to-five-year term.

The new Bill is expected to come into effect in July 2017.

Responding to whether it supported the move, Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the council had “no choice but to observe the legislative requirements”.

“For that reason we have appointed an auditor for one year rather than a longer term,” Mr Brennan said.

Along with the Auditor General supervising all reviews, the Bill also introduces “performance audits” to look at the efficiency and effectiveness of all council operations and makes it a requirement that all local governments publish annual reports online.

Mr Brennan said despite the changes, he was “relaxed” with the council’s existing audit practices.

“We have a highly qualified and experienced Audit Committee comprising Cr Miguel as chair who is a qualified and practising accountant,” he said.

“The city council is also very focussed on transparency and accountability.

“We achieve that by live streaming our meetings and making all material available, apart from confidential matters sanctioned by legislation.”

Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the new Bill was designed to improve accountability and transparency in the sector.

“This Bill will provide an independent oversight of local governments, ” he said.