Section 1: Governance for public sector boards
and committees
1.1 Public sector boards and committees
There are more than 300 government boards within Western Australia that vary in
size, scope and purpose. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is responsible
for maintaining a list of these boards on the State Government Boards and
Committees Register.
There are several types of boards, including:
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Trading boards;
Governing boards;
Policy, review or specialist boards;
Regulatory, registration, appeal or quasi-judicial boards;
Stewardship boards; and
Advisory or consultative boards.
Governing Council members sit on governing boards, which govern the operation of
TAFE Colleges. Governing boards are statutory bodies that have their functions and
powers set out in their enabling legislation. TAFE College Governing Councils are
delegated authority to govern under section 42 of the VET Act.
To access the Government Boards and Committees Register visit the Department of
the Premier and Cabinet webpage
(http://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/Consultation/Pages/GovernmentBoardsandCommittees.aspx)
1.2 Good corporate governance practices
By employing good corporate governance practices, Governing Councils are able to
effectively perform their function and comply with their obligations.
Good corporate practices include:
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building and adhering to a governance framework;
demonstrating accountable and ethical behaviour at all times;
maintaining effective stakeholder relationships
integrating transparency into processes and planning;
meeting strategic and business planning obligations;
reporting on and evaluating obligations; and
preparing and reviewing key documents and policies.
For further information on public sector boards and committees, refer to the Public
Sector Commission website (www.publicsector.wa.gov.au)
TAFE College Governing Council Handbook
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