Delegated Authority

Both Council and the Chief Executive Officer are given certain functions and duties to perform under the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act). Council may delegate its authority to the Chief Executive Officer to perform some functions and duties on its behalf. Delegations form part of the Shire’s decision-making approach. Delegations assign certain types of decisions to the Chief Executive Officer, employees or committees.

The use of delegated authority means that the large volume of routine work required of Council can be effectively managed and acted on promptly, which expedites efficient service delivery to the community. Delegated authority allows Council to concentrate on policy development, representation, strategic planning, and most importantly, leadership in the community.

The Chief Executive Officer may delegate to any Officer the authority to perform functions and duties that are exercisable by the Chief Executive Officer under the Act or that have been delegated to the Chief Executive Officer by Council (with the exception of the power to delegate).

Delegations of authority are required in order to provide employees with the power to exercise duties and make discretionary decisions in line with their role in local government. It is essential that the Shire’s delegations are performed in a manner that is in accordance with the delegation and is compliant with legislation.

The Shire is required to keep records on the exercise of its delegations and delegations are reviewed on an annual basis.

A copy of the Delegated Authority Register and Manual can be downloaded by clicking the link below;