The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of the state’s first Local Government Inspector, Anthony Brown.
The independent role was created as part of the Government’s local government reforms designed to improve the accountability, decision-making and transparency of the state’s 139 local councils.
“Tony Brown brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the sector to the critical role of Local Government Inspector,” said Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
“Mr Brown will be able to focus on intervening early to address issues as they arise and will have the ability to appoint monitors to proactively assist local governments to find resolutions to problems before they escalate.”
The Inspector will have greater powers to investigate and intervene to ensure compliance with laws and codes of conduct, with a focus on early intervention so issues are identified and resolved before they escalate.
He will work with and deploy a panel of local government monitors expert in various matters such as governance, financial management and conflict resolution.
The Inspector will also be supported by skilled investigators, compliance specialists, complaints handlers and other support staff.
“The Inspector will be able to quickly examine and dismiss vexatious complaints and issue infringements, which will streamline current inquiry processes,” said Minister Beazley.
“With the appointment of WA’s first Local Government Inspector, local governments are not only supported, but also on notice.
“The Inspector will have the power to launch an inquiry and recommend a council member, or an entire council, be dismissed if they are found to be dysfunctional.”
Mr Brown’s appointment is for five years commencing on 20 October, and the Office of the Local Government Inspector is scheduled to formally start operations from 1 January 2026.
Mr Brown comes to the role with more than 20 years of experience within the local government sector, including overseeing the Western Australian Local Government Association’s (WALGA) training and development program for elected members and officers.
Prior to working for WALGA, Mr Brown held CEO, finance and administration positions at seven regional and metropolitan local governments throughout WA.
