Part A: About this Request for Information process
1.1 Background
The Local Government Amendment Act 2024 (the Amendment Act) was assented to on 6 December 2024. The Amendment Act introduces powers for a new Local Government Inspector to appoint monitors to local governments to
assist with avoiding dysfunction.
Once the relevant legislation is commenced, the Inspector can appoint a monitor to a local government by request, or on their own initiative, when a local government is:
- not properly performing one or more of its functions
- not complying with one of more written laws applicable to it
- in need of assistance in performing one or more of its functions
- in need of assistance in complying with one or more written laws applicable to it
- experiencing other circumstances that make it in the public interest for a monitor to be appointed.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is undertaking this Request for Information (RFI) process to gather information from potential providers to plan for the establishment of a panel of monitors.
Further information about the proposed services can be found in ‘Part B: Potential Service Requirements’.
1.2 How this RFI process works
This RFI is not a Request for Tender. As such, it is not a commitment or representation of any kind that DLGSC will issue a Request for Tender for the provision of these services, or that DLGSC will otherwise seek to procure the services listed above.
The DLGSC may contact the Respondent to clarify information provided in the Response to the RFI.
1.3 How to provide information
Interested parties are invited to provide information by completing and submitting the information form, available online or in Part C of this RFI document.
1.3.1 Submission options
- online form
- by email
Send the completed Information Form located in Part C of this RFI to inspectorplanning@dlgsc.wa.gov.au with the subject line: Response to Request for Information (RFIDLGSCT2450) - by post
Mail a paper copy of the completed Information Form located in Part C of this RFI to:
Attention: Amy Walsh
PO Box 8349
Perth Business Centre
WA 6849
1.3.2 Deadline for submission
All information must be submitted by 4:00pm Wednesday 30 April 2025.
1.4 Late submissions
At the absolute discretion of DLGSC, written RFI information forms received after the closing time may be accepted for consideration.
1.5 Cost of submission
DLGSC or any other Western Australian Government agency associated with this RFI, will not be liable for any payment to a Respondent for any costs, losses or expenses incurred by a Respondent in submitting its information form.
1.6 Confidentiality
The information provided in your response will be treated as confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of this RFI process.
1.7 Where to get more information
If you have any enquiries about this RFI process, please contact the authorised representative listed below.
Amy Walsh, Project Manager
Telephone 61 8 6552 1433
Email amy.walsh@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Part B: Potential service requirements
The Local Government Amendment Act 2024 (the Amendment Act) was assented to on 6 December 2024. Provisions relating to the appointment, functions and powers of monitors are set out in Part 8B, Division 5.
Monitors will have powers to inspect local government documents, attend closed meetings and require council members and employees to attend meetings to resolve issues. Monitors will have varied powers depending on the nature of their assignment and their
terms of appointment.
Monitors will work constructively with council members, chief executive officers and staff to resolve issues, but they are not investigators. They will promote compliance with laws by building capacity and facilitating resolutions to interpersonal and other problems
where applicable.
Monitors will be expected to have specific experience or expertise, relevant to the issue that has prompted their appointment. Potential instances where a monitor may be appointed to assist the Inspector may include where a council is:
- experiencing significant interpersonal issues
- failing to follow CEO recruitment and performance review standards
- failing to adopt an annual budget
- failing to deliver services to its community.
Monitor appointments will be subject to future regulations. As such, this process seeks only to ascertain the availability of potential providers.