New Regulations to commence for Inspector and Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees

Regulations and proclamations have been made to implement key components of the Cook Labor Government’s local government reform.

Local Government Inspector Regulations

The Local Government Inspector will formally assume their powers and functions on 1 January 2026, supported by new regulations detailing:

• Complaint handling processes for conduct breaches and specified breaches.
• Appointment and powers of monitors and authorised officers.
• Infringement notices for certain offences.
  

Learn more about the Inspector Regulations and Inspector Consequential Regulations. 

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Regulations

From 1 January 2026, audit committees will transition to Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees (ARICs) during a six-month implementation period until 30 June 2026.

Key changes include:

• Mandatory independent presiding member and deputy to the presiding member to strengthen oversight with skilled, independent experts.
• New functions of ARICs covering risk management and continuous improvement.
• Shared ARICs permitted between local governments.
  

Learn more about the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Regulations.

Local Government Adjudicators

From 1 January 2026, key provisions of the Local Government Amendment Act 2024 take effect and a new system for managing conduct breaches will see the appointment of Adjudicators in early 2026.
Adjudicators will:

• Replace the existing Standards Panel.
• Assess complaints referred by the Inspector.
• Have strengthened powers to impose sanctions.

Learn more about Adjudicators.