The State Government is reforming the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act).
These are the most significant reforms to the sector in 25 years and aim to ensure local governments better serve residents and ratepayers.
Reforms have been crafted in consultation with the local government sector and are based on six themes:
To ensure that key election related reforms were in place before the 2023 local government elections, the amendments to the Act were divided into two tranches. The first tranche, which was passed by Parliament on 11 May 2023, focused on electoral reform.
The second tranche focuses on establishing the new Local Government Inspector and introducing local government monitors for early intervention and resolution of problems.
Tranche two reforms to introduce the Local Government Inspector and the ability to appoint monitors.
Past reforms to the Local Government Act 1995.
The electoral changes are part of the most significant reforms to local government in more than 25 years.
The electoral changes, part of the State Government's wider package of local government reforms, are designed to strengthen local democracy, and include:
Optional Preferential Voting means ratepayers will now have the power to vote for as many or as few candidates as they wish, using numbered preferences. This change brings council elections more into line with State and Federal elections.
Many other minor changes, such as increased information about candidates being published on local government websites, will also strengthen the election process.
The new communications toolkit includes factsheets, posters, social media material, a notice to residents, and instructional videos. These materials can be made available on local government websites and their social media channels, delivered directly to ratepayers, and displayed at council venues and facilities.
In addition to the toolkit, an advertising campaign will be launched closer to the October elections encouraging people to vote, as well as to consider nominating as a council member. This campaign will also specifically aim to reach Aboriginal Western Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, younger people, as well as people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community.
The State Government's reform package includes measures to support a diverse range of people who serve on councils, including new parental leave entitlements, and changes to enable local governments to pay superannuation and educational allowances to council members.
Full Reform Proposals provides an overview of all the reforms topics that were consulted on.
The DLGSC holds regular webinars to explain reforms and update the local government sector on progress.
Register for LG Alerts to be notified of future webinars.
Previous webinars are available for viewing: Local government reform webinars
Still have questions?
If you still have questions about reform, email us at actreview@dlgsc.wa.gov.au