Expression of Interest

Ballina Shire Council is seeking two new independent members to join their Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) from February 2026.

About our Committee

• The Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC)reviews and provides independent advice to Council on how it is managing risk, whether the internal controls are working and whether the Council is functioning effectively.
• Each Council is required to have an ARIC that comprises an independent chairperson and at least two independent members that meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Office of Local Government's Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW.
• The ARIC meets quarterly and an agreed fee is paid to the independent members for preparation and attendance at each meeting. In 2025/26 an independent member is paid $900 per meeting attended. (Please note that a criminal history check and financial status check will be undertaken on the successful candidate).
• Attendance can be in person or by audio-visual link. Preference will be given to applicants who can attend in person.

Experience/Attributes

To be successful in their role, a member must:

• Take a professional approach to their responsibilities, including an appropriate commitment of time and effort and participate in mandatory training
• Know the business, culture and values of the council and take the time to understand changes that affect how the council operates and its risks.
• Have sufficient understanding of the council's financial reporting responsibilities to be able to contribute to the committee's consideration of the annual financial reports.
• Understand the role of the committee and the expectations of the council.
• Act in the best interests of the council.
• Be a good communicator and build effective relationships with the council and other committee members.
• Have the personal courage to raise and deal with tough issues, express opinions frankly, ask questions that go to the fundamental core of the issue and pursue independent lines of inquiry.

Essential requirements

Independent members of the audit, risk and improvement committee must demonstrate the following essential requirements:

• 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 risk management, performance management, human resources management, internal and external auditing, financial reporting, accounting, management control frameworks, internal financial controls, governance (including planning, reporting and oversight), or business operations.
• A capacity to form independent judgements and 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 of an independent member of an audit, risk and improvement committee.
• Preparedness to undertake any training on the operation of audit, risk and improvement committees recommended by the chairperson based on their assessment of the skills, knowledge and experience of the independent member.

Desirable experience/qualifications

Ideally, independent members of the audit, risk and improvement committee should also meet the following criteria, but these are not essential:

• Extensive senior level experience in governance and management of complex organisations.
• Possession of a relevant professional qualification or membership (e.g. Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), CPA Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA).

Note: Any persons, company or organisation contracting services to Ballina Shire Council will be precluded from being a member of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

All interested persons must complete the application form below by 4.30pm Sunday 11 January 2026.

Enquiries: Caroline Klose | Director Corporate and Community Division |

For further information refer to Council's website