Governance a priority for new council

Committee membership and terms of reference of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee will be among the first subjects the new Town of Port Hedland Council addresses at this week’s council meeting.

Following the results of the local government election last month, council representation on the committee will need to be reviewed, as well as its terms of refer-ence.

The review of the terms of reference aims to reflect current practices and legislative compliance, while providing a framework to exercise thorough internal and external audit functions, ethical decision-making, good governance principles, financial and risk management practices, and to promote the provision of recommendations and advice to the council.

The council will also approve two independent community members to join the committee, who must possess a degree in finance or accounting, and have accreditation as certified practising accountants and experience as auditors.

Councillors will also approve a meeting schedule for the committee under which members will meet in November and December and again in March, June, September and December next year if approved.