Local Government Monitor appointed to the City of South Perth

Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has appointed Murdoch University Chancellor Gail McGowan PSM as a local government monitor at the City of South Perth, commencing Wednesday 25 February. 

Ms McGowan served as a local government commissioner from 2022-23 and is currently Chancellor of Murdoch University and Chair of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. 

Ms McGowan will be observing Council and committee meetings including those held in closed session, inspecting documents and reviewing governance practices. Her appointment will be for a period of nine weeks at this stage, concluding on 29 April with a report and observations to the Inspector. 

While this will not impact day-to-day operations, the City is committed to working cooperatively and openly with Ms McGowan to review governance practices for the betterment of the community. 

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• CityofSouthPerth_LGMonitor_MediaStatement
• TERMS OF APPOINTMENT Part 1 - Monitoring Assignment

Extension of Local Government Monitor

• Local Government Inspector Tony Brown extended the appointment of Ms McGowan at the City of South Perth to 17 June 2026. 
• On 17 June 2026 Mr Brown advised the City that Ms McGowan's appointment would be extended to 19 August 2026. 
• On 14 July, Mr Brown declared a conflict of interest relating to the City of South Perth and removed himself from all matters relating to the City. Jennifer Shelton subsequently accepted the position of Acting Local Government Inspector for a term of three months. 
• At a Special Council Meeting held on 14 August 2026, Council resolved for the Acting CEO to write to the Local Government Inspector requesting an extension of the term of appointment of Ms McGowan to 19 September 2026. 
• On 4 September, Ms Shelton advised Ms McGowan's appointment as a local government monitor would be continuing at the City until 23 October 2026 inclusive, with updated Terms of Appointment.