Date: 11 June 2026

The City of South Perth has called a Special Council Meeting for Tuesday 16 June 2026 to consider a formal request for a further extension of an external Local Government Monitor, as the council works through ongoing governance and workplace culture concerns.

Local Government Inspector Tony Brown appointed Gail McGowan PSM as Local Government Monitor at the City of South Perth, commencing 25 February 2026. Ms McGowan was originally appointed for a term concluding on 29 April 2026, to observe council and committee meetings — including those held in closed session — and to inspect documents and review governance practices.

The Monitor’s appointment was subsequently extended by the Local Government Inspector to 17 June 2026. A further extension to 17 August 2026 is now being proposed.

The request for a second extension is linked to a separate but related process. The City has commissioned a workplace psychosocial risk assessment, which is currently in progress, with the final outcome anticipated in late July or early August. The results of this assessment will be made available to the Monitor and may inform the Final Report to the Local Government Inspector.

The scope of the Monitor’s assignment includes oversight of the City’s processes and practices in relation to monitoring, reviewing and eliminating worker health and safety risks, and the provision of safe systems, training and consultation in accordance with obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.

The cost of the Local Government Monitor is $900 per day.

The Special Council Meeting will be held at 6.00pm in the City of South Perth Council Chamber. The agenda is available on the City of South Perth website.