Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (the Committee) provides independent assurance and assistance to the Shire on risk management, control, governance and external accountability responsibilities and any matters the Committee considers relevant to ensure effective service delivery. 

Meeting Schedule

The Committee meets four times a year. Please see the following link for further information on meeting dates and related documentation: https://www.sdwk.wa.gov.au/council-meetings/audit-committee-meeting

Related Information

The Committee's Terms of Reference sets its objectives, authority, composition and tenure, roles and responsibilities, reporting and administrative arrangements.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee can be accessed here: Terms of Reference.

Expression of Interest for the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – Independent Member

Do you have experience and knowledge in the following areas?

  • Financial reporting.
  • Audit and assurance.
  • Principles of good organisational governance.
  • Risk management and internal control principles.

Expressions of Interest are sought from a suitably qualified and experienced person to join the Shire’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) as an independent Committee Member for a two-year term. There are two independent member positions available:

  • Presiding Member; and
  • Deputy of the Presiding Member

About the opportunity

Shire of Derby / West Kimberley is seeking expressions of interest for two suitably experienced independent members to join its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. This committee provides oversight and advice to on financial management and performance reporting, risk management systems and internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations. Interested individuals should have a strong background in finance, risk, governance, or audit, and a commitment to the Shire’s ethical and sustainable development.

The committee’s term of reference is available: https://www.sdwk.wa.gov.au/Profiles/sdwk/Assets/ClientData/Terms_of_Reference_-_Audit_Risk_and_Improvement_Committee.pdf

The role for an independent member is for a two year term.

Role Overview

The Committee is established under Section 7.1A of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) to advise Council on matters relevant to its Terms of Reference. The Committee is to provide guidance and advice to the local government, in relation to: 

  • Risk management and internal controls.
  • External and internal audits.
  • Status of audit recommendations.
  • Financial management.
  • Compliance with laws, regulations, standards, and best practice guideline.

Key Skills and Experience

The Independent Members will preside over committee meetings and will be required to have experience and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Internal audit.
  • Risk management.
  • Financial management/reporting.
  • Information and Systems Technology.
  • Audit Committee practices.
  • Understanding of complexities associated with regional local government.

Additional desirable skills and experience include:

  • Strong leadership qualities to guide effective committee discussions;
  • Analytical skills to assess complex information;
  • Knowledge of the local government sector;
  • Familiarity with meeting procedures and Local Law Standing Orders; and
  • Awareness of emerging risks such as climate adaptation and cyber security.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must not be employed by the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley;
  2. Must not be a Council Member of the Shire of Derby / West Kimberley or;
  3. Must not be related to any person in criteria 1 and 2.

Interested applicants should ensure that they have the capacity to adequately consider the agenda papers prior to each meeting, and have the ability to commit to attending a minimum of four meetings a year. A per the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, independent committee members are subject to the 50% attendance cap.

Remuneration

The role includes remuneration aligned with the State Administrative Tribunal for Band 2 local governments, of $450.00 per meeting (maximum allowable amount), and independent members will be required to comply with the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 1995.

Travel and accommodation will be provided for Independent Members if required.

How to apply

Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in the form of a covering letter setting out skills and experience, a brief resume and contact details for two professional referees. Applications must be marked: Independent Membership and be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Derby / West Kimberley, PO Box 94, Derby WA 6728, or sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

For any enquiries, please contact Jill Brazil on 9191 0999.

Expressions of Interest must be received by 5.00pm Tuesday 7 October 2025.