Shared Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (Shared ARIC):  Hunter, Central NSW and Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisations

Location:  Primarily online (videoconference)

Term:  Up to four (4) years (initial term to September 2028)

Remuneration:  Up to $3,200 per annum for Members and $4,000 per annum for Chair (inclusive of superannuation)

About the Role:

The Hunter, Central NSW and Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisations (JOs) are seeking to appoint three (3) Independent External Members, including one Independent Chair, to a Shared Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) to be established under sections 428A and 428B of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

The ARIC will provide independent assurance and advice to each JO Board on governance, risk management, internal controls, compliance, financial management, audit and organisational improvement.

The Committee will meet quarterly (primarily online).   Members must be available to participate in the inaugural meeting scheduled for June 2026.

The Shared ARIC is a joint arrangement between the participating JOs under section 428B of the Act and formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding.  Its nature reflects the small scale and resource profile of Joint Organisations and, and such, if a proportionate, risk-based approach consistent with the NSW Office of Local Government Guidelines.

The Committee will operate independently of management and JO Boards and has an advisory and assurance role only.  It will consider both shared governance themes and JO-specific matters.

Each JO will, however, retain accountability for its own decisions and statutory obligations.

The Committee is to comprise of three Independent Voting Members (including a Chair), with Executive Officers and nominated Board representatives attending as non-voting observers.

Independence and Eligibility

Independent Members must meet the independence and eligibility requirements set out in the NSW Office of Local Government Guidelines – November 2023 (see pp. 20–23 for full detail).

In summary, applicants must:

• Be independent of the participating Joint Organisations and free from any real or perceived conflicts of interest
• Not be a current councillor, JO Board member, staff member, recent employee, or service provider to a participating JO
• Demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgement and constructively challenge management
• Demonstrate understanding the size of Joint Organisation’s, their relative risk profile and the oversight required for organisations of this scale
• Be able to read and understand financial statements
• Have capacity to commit the time required for quarterly meetings and preparation

Additional Requirements – Chair

In addition to the above, applicants seeking appointment as Independent Chair must demonstrate:

• Strong leadership capability and experience chairing committees or boards
• Ability to facilitate effective working relationships in a shared governance environment
• Confidence communicating complex or sensitive matters tactfully
• Senior-level governance experience and sound understanding of risk management and internal audit oversight

The Chair is responsible for leading meetings, guiding the work program, liaising with Executive Officers, and ensuring the Committee operates in accordance with the adopted Terms of Reference.

Skills and Experience

With regard to the size and scale of Joint Organisations, the Shared ARIC seeks applicants with practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial management, accounting or financial reporting
• Risk management and internal controls
• Internal or external audit
• Governance, compliance or performance oversight
• Business operations in a public sector or comparable environment

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Analyse financial and risk information
• Apply sound governance principles
• Ask informed and constructive questions
• Provide independent, objective advice

Professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CPA, CIA, IIA, GAICD or similar) are desirable but not mandatory.

Applicants are encouraged to review pages 21–23 of the NSW OLG Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit to ensure they meet the statutory independence and eligibility requirements before applying.

How to Apply

To be considered, applications must include:

1. A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the Shared ARIC, confirming that you meet the independence requirements, indicating whether you are applying for the Chair or Independent Member role, and specifying your proposed remuneration (within the advertised range).
2. A concise summary of your relevant experience and how it aligns with the eligibility and skills requirements outlined above.
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Applications close 12pm midday Monday 13 April 2026.

Please email applications to: admin@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au.

If you have general questions related to the role, please contact Tim Askew, Director of Programs at the Hunter Joint Organisation on 0436 420623 or at tima@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au

For questions specific to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation please contact Roger Stephan, ISJO CEO on 0476 004 869 or at rstephan@isjo.nsw.gov.au.