Independent psychosocial risk assessment
The City commissioned an independent psychosocial risk assessment after issues were raised by Elected Members and some staff who worked closely with Council.
A report was then developed which identified key themes and areas for improvement.
It is an important piece of work which has the potential to make positive change across the local government sector. It identifies systemic challenges which are unique to local government and outlines possible solutions to the issues which arise in this environment.
Next steps
The report was presented to the City of Perth's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The City's administration will now prepare a report for the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 February 2026.
Frequently asked questions
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Why was the psychosocial risk assessment commissioned and when?
The City commissioned the work in response to multiple concerns raised by individuals from within Council and Administration staff who work closely with Council regarding psychosocial safety, and a request by an elected member for a psychosocial risk assessment to be conducted.
The CEO holds responsibilities under the Work, Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) to ensure that, as far as reasonably practicable, risks (including psychosocial risks) are identified and mitigated.
On 12 November 2025 the CEO confirmed with the Lord Mayor her intention to commission a psychosocial risk assessment.
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What was the focus of the assessment?
The assessment focused on the interface between:
- Elected members within Council
- Elected members and administration leadership, including the CEO and senior executives; and
- Elected members and council support employees
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Has legal advice been provided on releasing the report?Yes legal advice has been provided. Legal advice is provided on a confidential basis to the City. Any request for access should be managed through the City's Freedom of Information processes.
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How many recommendations does the report make?The report makes 18 recommendations.
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What is the purpose of these recommendations?Some are to ensure a safe working environment for staff and others are to support elected members in how they carry out their functions.
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What does the report addressA systems level review focused on risk identification and mitigation for both staff and Elected Members. It did not investigate individual matters or specific complaints and it did not make findings of fault or wrongdoing.
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Who participated in the assessment?All elected members were invited to participate as well as those staff who work directly with Elected Members.
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Why was the report confidential?The report was provided to the City's Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC) on a confidential basis to ensure Elected Members were fully briefed and had the opportunity to discuss its content. All Elected Members have now had access to the report. The ARIC is not a decision-making body of Council.
The report will be considered by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 February, 2026. -
Is there a cost to the City for the report?Yes. This is estimated at $65,000.
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Is there a cost associated with implementing the recommendations?A preliminary estimate of the cost of implementing recommendations is approximately $280,000.
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How does this link to the work the Local Government Inspector and the Monitor is doing?
The City shared the report with the Inspector for Local Government.
Several of the recommendations in the assessment may be of value to the Monitor as they relate to the Terms of Appointment for her work.
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Will the report be made available to the public?The report will be considered by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 February, 2026.