Expression of Interest - Independent External Audit and Risk Committee Panel Member

Central Highlands Region; Emerald; On-site; AUD 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Central Highlands Regional Council invites expressions of interest for an Independent External Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson. The appointment covers an initial four-year term commencing 1 February 2027, with meetings at the Emerald office. A meeting fee of $3,000 plus GST per meeting applies, plus reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.

EOIs close 8am Monday 2 November 2026. Ideal candidates will have senior governance experience, strong reading of financial statements and the

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of governance and local government accountability including financial reporting
• Functional knowledge in areas such as strategic asset management and infrastructure oversight
• Ability to read and understand financial statements and to navigate ethical requirements of government
• Experience leading complex organisations and chairing senior committees

Responsibilities

• Chair the Audit and Risk Committee meetings and lead governance discussions
• Oversee risk management, internal controls, fraud prevention and audit programs
• Challenge management on complex infrastructure reporting and provide independent judgement

Skills

Governance experience

Financial literacy

Ethical judgement

Leadership

Communication

Critical questioning

Reading financial statements

Job description

Expression of Interest - Independent External Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson

Central Highlands Regional Council (Council) is a local government area in Central Queensland, spanning an area of approximately 60,000 square kilometres and is home to an estimated resident population of 28,973 spread across thirteen unique communities.

The Audit and Risk Committee is an advisory committee to Council that must be established under Local Government legislation that oversees and monitors the effectiveness of Council’s risk management practices, fraud prevention systems and controls, financial and performance management, internal control environment, and audit programs.

Council is seeking to appoint an Independent External Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson and is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced applicants for an initial four year term of engagement commencing 1 February 2027.

Meetings of the Central Highlands Regional Council’s Audit Committee are generally held at Council’s Emerald office with 5 meetings planned for 2027.

A meeting fee of $3,000 plus GST per meeting will be paid for pre-meeting preparation and attendance.

In addition to the meeting fee, Council will cover reasonable out of pocket expenses for travel and accommodation to enable them to attend meetings at Council's Emerald office.

Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by 8am Monday 2 November 2026.

Essential Criteria

• A sound understanding of:
  • the principles of good organisational governance and capacity to understand local government accountability, including financial reporting
  • the business of the Council or the environment in which it operates
  • internal audit operations of local governments and risk management principles
  • Extensive senior level experience in governance and management of complex organisations
  • An ability to read and understand financial statements and a capacity to understand the ethical requirements of government (including potential conflicts of interest)
• Functional knowledge in areas such as:
  • Strategic Asset Management & Lifecycle Planning.
  • Capital Works Governance & Major Infrastructure Oversight.
  • Project Management & Delivery Assurance.
  • Local Government Legislative & Regulatory Compliance.
  • Policy Development, Evaluation & Governance Frameworks.
  • Infrastructure & Project Management.
• Plus, the inquiry skills necessary to challenge technical engineering and project reporting constructively, translating complex infrastructure issues into clear governance and risk implications for the committee and elected council.
• The capacity to form independent judgements and a willingness to constructively challenge/question management practices and information.
• A professional, ethical approach to the exercise of their duties and the capacity to devote the necessary time and effort to the responsibilities as the Chairperson.
• Leadership qualities and the ability to promote effective working relationships in complex organisations.
• An ability to communicate complex and sensitive assessments in a tactful manner to the Council's Audit and Risk Committee, Senior Management and the Mayor and Councillors.
• An Australian Business Number (ABN) at the commencement of contract.
• Professional indemnity insurance at the commencement of contract.
• Previous experience serving as Chairperson and/or independent member on similar committees (or as a senior employee of the Queensland Audit Office).

Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks

• Right to Work in Australia
• Criminal History Check
• Reference and qualification checks

For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.

Applications close: 8am Monday 2nd November 2026.