Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are sought from suitably qualified individuals to be appointed as independent external members to the Shire’s Audit, Risk and Governance Committee (the Committee) following the 2023 ordinary local government election in October.

The Committee has important responsibilities under the Local Government Act 1995. Membership of the Committee is made up of a combination of Councillors (elected members) and two (2) independent, external members.

There are two (2) Audit, Risk and Governance Committee external member positions available.

The tenure expires at the 2025 ordinary Local Government election.

Function of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

The primary function of the Committee is to guide and assist the Local Government in carrying out its financial management functions and its functions related to audits.

The Committee will promote transparency and accountability in the Shire’s financial reporting and promote effective and responsible management of risks to protect the Shire’s assets.

The Committee will report to Council and provide appropriate advice and recommendations on matters relevant to its Terms of Reference in order to facilitate decision making by the Council in relation to the discharge of its responsibilities.

Some of the ways the Committee discharges its legislative responsibilities are to oversee:

  • the integrity of external financial reporting, including accounting policies;
  • the scope of work, objectivity, performance and independence of the external auditor;
  • the establishment, effectiveness and maintenance of controls and systems to safeguard the Shire’s financial and physical assets;
  • the framework and systems that are designed to ensure the Shire comply with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements;
  • the framework for recognising risks arising from the Shire’s operations and strategies, and consider the adequacy of measures taken to manage those risks; and
  • the framework and systems which protect the Council against fraud and irregularities.

The Committee also adds to the credibility of Council by promoting ethical standards through its work.

Meetings

The Committee conducts meetings in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Standing Orders Local Law 2002 (as Amended).

The Committee meets every three (3) months or more regularly as required at the discretion of the Presiding Member of the Committee, the Shire President or the CEO.

All Committee members are expected to attend each meeting in person.

Under legislation, external members are not permitted to be paid, however, reimbursement of reasonable costs as agreed by Council on appointment can occur. Applicants should provide an estimate of these costs in their response to the EOI.

Conduct and Disclosure of Interests

All Committee Members must abide by the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Committee Members and candidates.

Per Division 6 of the Local Government Act 1995 all Committee members must adhere to the provisions of the Local Government Act 1995 related to the disclosure of interests.

interest —

(a) means an interest that could, or could reasonably be perceived to, adversely affect the impartiality of the person having the interest; and

(b) includes an interest arising from kinship, friendship or membership of an association.

Selection Criteria

An external independent member will be selected based on the following criteria:

a) a demonstrated high level of expertise and knowledge in financial management, reporting, governance and audit;

b) a capacity to provide independent expertise and knowledge to the committee; and

c) relevant skills and experience in providing independent expert advice.

The external members are required to be independent of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and will not have provided paid services to the Shire either directly or indirectly in the past five years.

Terms of Reference

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Terms of Reference

How to apply

Submissions are open until 5pm Friday, 13 October 2023.

To a submit an expression of interest, please provide a CV and cover letter detailing:

  • Background, experience and qualifications relevant to the above selection criteria;
  • Certification that you do not have any conflicts in accordance with the Terms of Reference;
  • Estimate of the costs to be reimbursed by Council; and
  • The motivation for joining the Committee.

These can be submitted to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au 

For more information, please contact Dr Kenneth Parker, Manager Governance and Strategy, on 9526 1102 or email kparker@sjshire.wa.gov.au