Council appoints new audit committee chair
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Whitsunday Regional Council appointed Graham Carpenter as Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee for the next three years at its Ordinary Council meeting in Proserpine last week.
Mayor Andrew Willcox welcomed the appointment and endorsed Mr Carpenter’s extensive experience and outstanding credentials for the important role.
“Historically, the Mayor has automatically filled the audit chair role but recent advice has suggested an independent chair would be more appropriate.
From day one I have been committed to an open and transparent Council so appointing a totally independent and experienced person to provide oversight is another positive outcome,” he said.
“It is vitally important for Council to maintain the community’s trust and improve accountability, so having an independent Chairman to monitor and review the operations of Council, reinforces our commitment to good governance.”
“As the outgoing Chairman, I thank the Councillors and external members for their support to this important Committee, and I look forward to continuing to make a contribution as a member.”
Mr Carpenter has previously held executive roles including as a partner in a Chartered Accounting firm, Assistant Under Treasurer at Queensland Treasury and Strategic Reviews of the Queensland Audit Office in 2010 and 2017.
He has also held many board positions including chairing Tarong/Stanwell Corporation Ltd and Construction Skills Queensland.
Council conducted an expression of interest process for the role of chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and received 10 applications.
Mr Greg Hoffman, Managing Director Grassroots Connections Australia Pty Ltd, assisted with the shortlisting of candidates and recommended Mr Carpenter as the standout candidate.
The Audit and Risk Committee plays an important role and is directly responsible and accountable to Council for the exercise of its duties and responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to the monitoring and review of the integrity of the financial documents of Council; the internal audit function of Council; the effectiveness and objectivity of Council’s internal and external auditors; and the legislative and organisational compliance of Council.