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South Perth Council Faces Oversight After Governance Concerns

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. l-faces-oversight-after-governance-concerns.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 13:36 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

South Perth, WA - February 23rd, 2026 - The City of South Perth is facing increased scrutiny and oversight after the State's Local Government Inspector, Tony Brown, deemed its decision-making processes deficient. A monitor, former public servant Gail McGowan PSM, has been appointed to oversee the council's governance, a move prompted by significant concerns raised following a controversial vote regarding accessibility upgrades at the Coogee Beach Oval.

The immediate catalyst for this intervention was a December council vote that failed to adequately ensure the planned upgrades to Coogee Beach Oval adhered to mandated accessibility standards. Critics swiftly condemned the decision, highlighting a perceived disregard for the needs of people with disabilities and a failure to fulfill legal obligations. The Inspector's report detailed that the council's actions demonstrably deviated from established, prescribed decision-making protocols and crucially, lacked meaningful engagement with relevant disability advocacy groups.

Mr. Brown's report, released last week, didn't shy away from explicitly stating the council's shortcomings. It pointed to systemic issues beyond the single Coogee Beach Oval incident, suggesting a broader pattern of questionable practices. While the specifics of the report remain largely confidential, sources indicate it outlines a lack of robust internal checks and balances, insufficient consideration of expert advice, and a potentially problematic culture surrounding transparency and accountability.

Ms. McGowan's appointment is not intended as a punitive measure, but rather as a constructive intervention aimed at rectifying these issues. Her mandate is to ensure the City of South Perth adheres to all relevant legislation and adopts best-practice guidelines for local government administration. She will be working directly with council members and staff to identify areas for improvement, facilitate training, and implement processes that promote sound decision-making. "The monitor will work closely with the council to improve governance and ensure a consistent approach to future decision-making," Mr. Brown stated in a press release issued earlier today.

Ms. McGowan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions within the Department of Justice and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Her background suggests a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, risk management, and public sector accountability - precisely the skills needed to address the challenges facing the South Perth council. Her PSM (Public Service Medal) indicates a history of dedicated and meritorious service, further reinforcing her suitability for this critical oversight role.

The length of the monitoring period is currently set at a minimum of six months. At the conclusion of this initial period, a comprehensive review will be conducted to assess the progress made by the council and to determine whether Ms. McGowan's continued presence is necessary. While the hope is that the council will demonstrably improve its governance practices within six months, the review will consider factors such as the complexity of the issues identified, the level of cooperation from council members, and the sustainability of any implemented changes.

This intervention highlights a growing trend of state government scrutiny over local councils. Recent years have seen increased pressure on local authorities to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. The incident at South Perth is likely to serve as a cautionary tale for other councils across Western Australia, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established procedures and engaging meaningfully with the community, particularly vulnerable groups.

The City of South Perth has issued a brief statement acknowledging the appointment of the monitor and stating its commitment to cooperating fully with the review process. However, the statement offered no details regarding the council's internal investigation into the events leading up to the Inspector's report or the specific steps it intends to take to address the identified concerns. Opposition councillors have called for a full public inquiry into the matter, alleging a systemic disregard for proper procedure. The next council meeting, scheduled for March 3rd, is expected to be heavily attended and will likely feature a robust debate on the future direction of the City of South Perth.