Published on:
Thursday, 5 June 2025
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is aware of commentary related to the Auditor General’s Report on Local Government Management of Purchasing Cards released on 28 May 2025.
President Karen Chappel AM JP responded to the implication that the report was indicative of a wider culture of entitlement in the Local Government sector.
“It is important to note that the Auditor General Report and sample testing found no evidence of explicit misuse of public money. It is also important to distinguish between instances where policy could be strengthened and systemic misconduct.
“Generalised interpretation, or application to the sector, is not reflective of the overall findings of the Auditor General Report – or of the extraordinary work that Local Government performs across the State.
“Local Government understands that the community expects transparency and value for money. As a sector we are committed to upholding the highest level of integrity and maintaining public trust.
“The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides the Local Government sector with broad guidance on the management of purchasing cards and changes in legislation.
“Local Governments across Western Australia are committed to continuous improvement and feedback, both to strengthen practices and ensure transparency and accountability to the community.”
President Karen Chappel AM JP responded to the implication that the report was indicative of a wider culture of entitlement in the Local Government sector.
“It is important to note that the Auditor General Report and sample testing found no evidence of explicit misuse of public money. It is also important to distinguish between instances where policy could be strengthened and systemic misconduct.
“Generalised interpretation, or application to the sector, is not reflective of the overall findings of the Auditor General Report – or of the extraordinary work that Local Government performs across the State.
“Local Government understands that the community expects transparency and value for money. As a sector we are committed to upholding the highest level of integrity and maintaining public trust.
“The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides the Local Government sector with broad guidance on the management of purchasing cards and changes in legislation.
“Local Governments across Western Australia are committed to continuous improvement and feedback, both to strengthen practices and ensure transparency and accountability to the community.”
