A key strategic priority for DLGSC is to develop a supportive environment and provide local governments with the tools to build a transparent, robust, and innovative sector.
This will be delivered by encouraging and supporting excellence and innovation through the Financial Better Practice Reviews (BPR).
The review will assess how well local governments perform common business practices and related internal controls, governance and risk management policies, practices, and procedures.
These will include but not limited to:
It is intended that the Financial BPRs will be made available to all local governments across the State.
It is anticipated that a schedule will need to be developed to enable Statewide coverage of the program and focus on local governments in similar locations — much the same way the Local Government Grants Commission undertakes its work with them.
By invitation or self-nomination — participation by local governments is on a voluntary basis.
DLGSC provides local governments with a self-assessment checklist to collect information relevant to the local government operations.
Self-assessment checklist is returned to DLGSC and reviewed and assessed by officers. An overall picture of the local government is formed, and an onsite visit scheduled.
An onsite visit to discuss policies, practices and procedures takes anywhere between one and five days depending on the size and complexity of the local government. On completion of the onsite visit, DLGSC collates information and findings generated.
Findings form basis of a report for the local government identifying areas of better practice and improvement in action plan.
Ongoing monitoring and liaison between DLGSC and the local government.
For more information please contact LG.accounting@dlgsc.wa.gov.au