- Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku undertaking remedial action
The Liberal National Government is working with the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku to overcome significant and ongoing compliance issues with the appointment of a qualified adviser.
Local Government Minister Paul Miles said this was the first time that any Minister had used the compliance activity pathway and the council had agreed to comply with his remedial action plan. Hence, Governor's Orders and the appointment of a Commissioner would not be required.
"I understand the remoteness of the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku creates significant challenges with meeting compliance requirements and that it has ongoing problems attracting and retaining suitably qualified and competitive employees," he said.
Mr Miles said the Department of Local Government and Communities was working to help the council meet the administrative requirements of the Local Government Act 1995, and together have appointed John Thurtell as an adviser to assist council to address these matters. Mr Thurtell will report to the Minister and the department.
"Mr Thurtell has extensive experience working with Aboriginal communities, including in this region, and will bring sound cultural knowledge to the role. He will work closely with the department and the Shire to put in place an appropriate administration structure, and develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act," he said.
"The council has also committed to undertake further governance training to ensure they meet their obligations to ratepayers. The Liberal National Government is committed to protecting the interests of ratepayers and residents of all communities, however small or remote."
"I am confident that the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku will emerge a stronger local government as a result of this action," Mr Miles said.
The Shire has welcomed the constructive and supportive approach taken by Mr Miles to address the timeliness of its statutory reporting and other administrative requirements.
Fact File
- A Show Cause Notice was issued on January 6 under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1995, requiring the council to undertake remedial action to address compliance issues
- The Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku is located in the Gibson and Great Victoria deserts and is home to about 1,500 residents in 10 Aboriginal communities over 159,948 square kilometres near the WA, NT and SA borders
- Until 1993, the Shire was part of the Shire of Wiluna and now has its administrative centre in Warburton
Minister's office - 6552 6600
