How we conduct governance examinations

Our governance examinations of Victorian local councils assess their compliance with the Local Government Act 2020 and make recommendations for future improvements.

The governance examination program is designed to give council staff skills to improve compliance, transparency and develop better practice processes.

About the governance examination program

The program aims to:

  • provide an independent assessment of key council practices
  • review the effectiveness and efficiency of selected governance processes
  • assist councils to achieve clear and transparent governance, mitigating the risk of possible breaches of the Act.

The examination process

Step 1: We’ll contact you to propose a date for the examination.

Step 2: You’ll receive information on how to prepare for the examination.

Step 3: We'll confirm the examination date with you and discuss any other arrangements.

Step 4: The examination is completed over three to four days, and includes:

  • initial meeting with council CEO and representatives to discuss examination process
  • review of requested materials or documents
  • discussions with relevant council staff
  • meeting to discuss preliminary findings.

Step 5: We will prepare an examination outcome report, including recommendations.

Following the examination:

  • your council will receive a draft governance examination report, including our recommendations, you can consider the findings and detail your agreed actions in accordance with the recommendations
  • we’ll consider your comments and your proposed action plan
  • a final agreed audit report and action plan will be forwarded to council.

Step 6: We’ll review and check that the agree actions have been completed.

Step 7: Outcome of review provided to council.

Step 8: Examination closed.

More information

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