Chair's report
I am pleased to present the 2023 Annual Report of the Western Australian Local
Government Grants Commission (commission).
The commission is a statutory body established under the Local Government Grants
Act 1978. Its principal function is to make recommendations to the
Minister for Local Government regarding the allocation of Commonwealth financial
assistance grants to WA’s 137 local governments.
Over the past 12 months, the commission visited 12 local governments. I would like
to thank them all for their willingness to engage in public hearings regarding the grant
methodology, which determines the amount of funding allocated to each individual
local government. These hearings also allow the commission to understand local
government needs and challenges.
The commission approved and submitted its Financial Assistance Grant
recommendations to the State and Commonwealth Ministers in early August 2023.
These were approved with local governments receiving their first payments in
mid-August. I thank all the commission members for their involvement in the grant
calculations and the dedication they demonstrated to their roles over the past
12 months.
With the end of this reporting period, I note that several appointments were made to
the commission. I wish to congratulate and recognise our longest serving member,
Dr Wendy Giles, who has been re-appointed for a further three-year term. I also wish
to congratulate Ms Virginia Miltrup who has been appointed as Dr Giles’ deputy.
This year also marks the end of Cr Deborah Botica’s tenure as deputy for the commission. I would like to recognise her commitment and willingness to be part of
the commission for the last seven years.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Luke Stevens who acted in the role of chair
until I was appointed to the role. Luke’s knowledge and experience was invaluable
throughout the year, and he ensured the functions of the commission continued
successfully during a period of membership and executive staff changes.
I am honoured to be appointed as Chairperson. I look forward to being part of the commission and making a difference for WA local governments during my tenure.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge our executive staff who support of the commission
to operate in an efficient and effective manner. To Leah Horton, Chris Berry, Nicholas
Harmer, Kathryn Christidis, Shannon Wood, Chloe Papasergio and
all who have assisted during the past year, we appreciate the commitment and
professionalism you continue to demonstrate, to always ensure that the commission
continues its important work within the sector.
Further, on behalf of the commission, I would like to acknowledge Shannon Wood for
his tireless commitment over the past 14 years to the commission and service to
local government. I can tell by the way the other members of the commission refer to
Shannon that he has made an indelible mark on the commission. He will be truly
missed. I wish him well in his future career ambitions.
If you have any questions regarding the commission, I encourage you to contact the
staff at any time.
Cr Dan Bull
Chairperson — WA Local Government Grants Commission
31 August 2023