- Local Government Inspector powers commence today, 1 January 2026
- Independent role created as part of landmark local government reforms
- Inspector has increased powers and oversight of 139 local governments
From today, Western Australia's first Local Government Inspector will be closely watching the conduct and compliance of local government elected officials and administrative staff.
The role of Local Government Inspector was introduced as part of the Cook Labor Government's landmark local government reforms designed to improve accountability, decision-making and transparency across the sector.
Mr Anthony (Tony) Brown started in the role in October 2025, with his powers under the Act commencing from today, 1 January 2026.
Mr Brown will be assisted by a team of skilled investigators, compliance specialists, complaints handlers and other support staff.
Mr Brown will also be supported by a team of adjudicators who will determine alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct, and a panel of monitors who can work with local governments to resolve issues.
The Local Government Inspector will assist and support the sector to meet its obligations, as well as address any dysfunction.
Under the reforms, the Local Government Inspector can:
- intervene early to resolve issues before they escalate;
- investigate breach complaints about council members, committee members and candidates for election;
- address general complaints regarding non-compliance with the Local Government Act 1995;
- issue infringements of up to $1,000 for certain offences;
- inquire into and intervene in any local government where potential issues are identified;
- appoint monitors to assist local governments with any conduct and compliance issues as well as conflict resolution; and
- recommend the dismissal of a council or council member.
There are also increased penalties for conduct breaches by councillors, including suspending payment of allowances, suspension from a committee or suspension from council for up to three months.
Mr Brown comes to the role with more than 40 years of experience within the local government sector, including overseeing the Western Australian Local Government Association's (WALGA) governance, procurement, employee relations, and training and development programs for elected members and officers.
Prior to working for WALGA, Mr Brown held CEO, finance and administration positions at several regional and metropolitan local governments throughout WA.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The creation and appointment of our State's first Local Government Inspector is a key component of the Cook Labor Government's suite of local government reforms, the biggest in more than 25 years, which is aimed at strengthening integrity and stamping out dysfunction.
"From today, the Local Government Inspector will be closely watching the conduct of all 139 local governments across Western Australia and the Indian Ocean territories.
"Local government employees who seek to take advantage of their position of trust also come under the Inspector's watch with potentially significant penalties.
"Most financial penalties associated with council members have also almost doubled with some ranging up to a fine of $24,000 and two years' imprisonment to deter the poor conduct we have seen in the past.
"Today also sees the commencement of the three strikes rule for council members. If a council member is suspended three times, they will be disqualified for ten years.
"The Inspector can also recommend to me the suspension or dismissal of individual council members or entire councils. If called upon by the Inspector to do so, I am not afraid to take that sort of decisive action, so that communities have a local government that is focused on serving them."
As stated by Local Government Inspector Tony Brown:
"I'm looking forward to working with local governments across Western Australia to support them in improving governance and compliance.
"My focus as Inspector is on early engagement to encourage greater accountability, improve decision making and build capability across the sector.
"Local Governments do excellent work for their communities, and my team and I are here to provide extra assistance and education to ensure they are able to provide great services and value for their residents."
