Ministerial Statement of Expectation
In June 2021, the then Minister for Local Government provided a Statement of Expectation to the WA Local Government Grants Commission.
The Statement reflects the Public Sector Commissioner's governance and performance requirements for State Government boards.
WA Local Government Grants Commission - Ministerial Statement of Expectation
WA Local Government Grants Commission Statement of Intent
To the Minister for Local Government
Thank you for your Statement of Expectation, dated June 2021. On behalf of the WA Local Government Grants Commission, I am pleased to respond with this Statement of Intent, which outlines how the commission will implement your expectations.
I formally commit the commission to meeting your expectations and to ensuring that the Government's key requirements for the commission are realised. We will continue to work to ensure that the community's confidence in the commission is preserved and strengthened and that, in all our activities, we operate in a way that promotes collaboration and demonstrates accountability and transparency in support of the government's priorities.
We wish to reaffirm all elements of the Statement of Expectations and include the following priorities:
Good governance
Commission members will undertake their duties with the required diligence, care and skill. The commission will adopt and follow best practice governance processes, ensuring all members are aware of, and comply with, governance principles and reporting arrangements as set out in the Local Government Grants Act 1978 (WA) and in the commission's governance documents, such as the Code of Conduct and the Commissioner's Charter.
Corporate governance documents will be reviewed on a regular basis. Appropriate training will be provided to commission members as required. The commission will continue to maintain the high level of corporate governance that is already in place, including a robust, transparent and accountable system of annual reporting to Parliament.
Ethical behaviour and conflicts of interest
Commission members will act ethically and impartially at all times and will identify, declare and manage any real or perceived conflict of interest in the discharge of its functions.
The commission will continue to develop processes and methodologies that ensure that the allocation and distribution of Commonwealth grants funding by the commission is evidence based, fair, objective and impartial.
Performance management
As required, the commission will undertake performance reviews, to ensure that:
- the functions of the commission have been performed
- individual members have effectively discharged their duties
- the current composition of the commission provides for an appropriate mix of skills, diversity and length of tenure across the individual members.
Appointments
Advice will be provided to you in a timely manner in relation to commission appointments. Consideration will also be given to the benefits of combining longer term, more experienced members, with newer members, who may provide a path to commission renewal.
Government policies and objectives
In addition to statutory functions, the commission will take into account wider economic benefits to the state, impacts on other Government agencies and key Government policies as part of the planning and decision-making processes, as appropriate.
The commission will also comply with relevant general policy requirements and will inform the Minister of any instances of non-compliance and the subsequent actions being taken to address the situation.
Financial management
The commission will endeavour to meet all required statutory financial management obligations. This will include ensuring that any actions taken in achieving the commission's objectives represent value for money.
Communication
The commission will ensure that timely and accurate information is provided to you to allow you to effectively meet your Ministerial and Parliamentary obligations.
The commission will also do the same for your advisers and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Conclusion
The commission will continue to diligently manage its activities in accordance with legislative requirements and will continue to comply with all relevant corporate governance requirements.
All new members of the commission will undergo an induction program and will receive a comprehensive handbook detailing their role and responsibilities. All commission members are to abide by the Code of Conduct and will be offered ongoing support by the Chair and executive staff.
The commission looks forward to continuing to work with you and delivering on your Ministerial expectations.
Cr Dan Bull
Chair, WA Local Government Grants Commission