Established in January 2026 under the WA Local Government Act. reforms. The following is copied from the Inspector’s website.
The Local Government Inspector is a statutory officer appointed to improve the accountability, transparency, and decision-making of local governments across Western Australia. The Inspector provides oversight through complaint handling, inquiries, compliance review, and education.
Role of the Inspector
The role of Local Government Inspector was established as part of reforms included in the Local Government Amendment Act 2024, which commenced on 1 January 2026.
The Inspector is an independent statutory officer appointed by the Governor of Western Australia to provide oversight and improve the accountability, decision-making and transparency of the state’s local government sector.
The Inspector is focused on ensuring local government and its office holders comply with laws, regulations and codes of conduct. The Inspector is backed by comprehensive investigation and prosecution powers.
Powers and functions of the Inspector
The powers of the Inspector are wide ranging and enable performance of the Inspector’s functions.
The Inspector:
- initiates early intervention to resolve issues before escalation
- receives breach complaints about council members, committee members and candidates for election
- oversees general complaints about non-compliance with the Local Government Act 1995
- has the powers of a standing inquiry to investigate and intervene in any local government where potential issues are identified
- appoints monitors to assist local governments with any conduct and compliance issues and conflict resolution
- has the authority to assess, triage, refer, investigate, or close complaints
- has the power to order a local government to address non-compliance
- recommends the dismissal of a council or council member.
Inspectorate officers
The Local Government Inspector and inspectorate officers play a proactive role in identifying and responding to emerging sector risks, resolving complaints early, and supporting continuous improvement through education and engagement. These functions are central to building public confidence in integrity and capability of local governments across the state.
The inspectorate officers, led by the Inspector, comprise of skilled investigators, compliance specialists, complaints handlers and other support staff.
Accountability
The Inspector is accountable to the Minister, the Crime and Corruption Commission, the Public Sector Commission, the Auditor General, the Ombudsman and ultimately, the Parliament as a public officer.
The Minister may give directions to the Inspector in relation to their functions either generally, or in relation to a particular matter.
To safeguard the Inspector’s independence, a direction cannot be in relation to a particular person, or complaint.
The text of a direction to the Inspector must be laid before each House of Parliament and included in the Inspector’s annual report.
The Inspector must also prepare an annual report on their activities which will be tabled in Parliament.
