Shire of Derby / West Kimberley - Annual Report 2024/25

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE Compliance Register of Complaints During the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, no breach or complaint was registered under Part 5, Division 9 of the Local Government Act 1995. Freedom of Information The Shire’s Freedom of Information statement is available on the Shire website and outlines the Shire’s functions, type of records that are kept and how these records can be accessed. The Shire processed six Freedom of Information requests in 2024/25. State Records Compliance The Shire remains committed to accurate record keeping practices in accordance with the State Records Act 2000. Public Interest Disclosure In accordance with the requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 , the Shire is committed to the aims and objectives of the Act. The Act aims to ensure openness and accountability in government by encouraging people to make disclosures and protecting them when they do. It facilitates the disclosure of public interest information and provides protection for those making such disclosures, as well as those who are the subject of the disclosures. The Act also provides a process for matters disclosed to be investigated and for appropriate action to be taken. The Shire did not receive any public interest disclosure reports during the reporting year. Standards Panel Costs The Shire did not pay any Standards Panel costs for hearing a complaint regarding a council member, nor did the Standards Panel order any funds be reimbursed within 10 days of receipt. Register of Gifts Elected members and employees of the Shire are required to disclose any gift or contribution to travel received over $300 in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within 10 days of receipt. The Chief Executive Officer keeps a register of gifts which is made available on the Shire’s website. The register is also available for public inspection at the Shire’s administration office. Council Meetings From February 2025, Council meetings in Derby were live streamed to the public and recorded as per section 58 of the Local Government Amendment Act 2023 which inserted a new section 5.23A into the Local Government Act 1995 covering requirements for electronic broadcasting (livestreaming) and video and audio recording of council meetings for Local Governments. The Shire continues to hold Council Meetings in Fitzroy Crossing every second month as well as on country meetings in Aboriginal communities. These meetings are audio recorded and uploaded to the Shire’s website. 12