News

21 October 2020

The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (Queen's Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2021 on Monday 27 September.

6 October 2020

On behalf of the State Graffiti Taskforce, all local governments are urged to complete the reporting form to help make an accurate assessment of the cost of managing graffiti vandalism in Western Australia.

2 October 2020

Amendments to the Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Regulations 2014 (Regulations) came into effect on 25 April 2020.

22 September 2020

As a result of queries from the sector, I am providing further clarification regarding the amendments made to regulation 9(1) of the Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007.

18 September 2020

The Local Government Amendment Act 2019 has introduced the requirement for all council members to undertake Council Member Essentials training within the first 12 months of being elected.

28 March 2020

Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.

23 March 2020

Under the Emergency Management Act 2005, the Commissioner of Police and State Emergency Coordinator, Chris Dawson, has issued directions regarding the closure of various establishments to the public in WA to limit the spread of COVID-19.

19 March 2020

As our state and nation face the challenges of COVID-19, many of our supermarkets and other businesses are struggling to meet unprecedented consumer demand.

3 March 2020

On Tuesday 3 March 2020, the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Amendment Regulations 2020 (amendment regulations) are being published in the Government Gazette and come into effect the following day.

19 December 2019

McLeods Barristers and Solicitors have recently released an article titled Protection of CEOs from bullying in the workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

1 November 2019

Following the recent local government elections, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is running a free, one-day workshop for new Mayors, Presidents, Deputy Mayors and Deputy Presidents.

18 October 2019

On 20 October 2019, the new gifts framework contained within the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 will come into operation. This new gift framework has been simplified, with the focus on transparency and accountability.

9 July 2019

​The Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 has received Royal Assent with some of the amendments taking effect immediately. As such, all local governments need to take action now to ensure they continue to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1995.

4 July 2019

The Auditor General has conducted a number of local government Performance Audits since the proclamation of the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017.

4 July 2019

Local governments are reminded of their audit reporting obligations under section 7.12A(4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1995.

18 April 2019

​In June 2017, the McGowan Government announced a review of the Local Government Act 1995 (LG Act).

22 March 2019

Minister Templeman recently spoke of his concerns about a trend of bullying and abuse in the local government sector against elected members, CEO’s and other staff.

15 February 2019

A recent decision of the State Administrative Tribunal has significant implications in relation to what constitutes a park home.

28 October 2018

​Local governments are advised that the Minister for Local Government’s order, dated 8 October 2018, specifying the colour of the registration tags for cats and dogs for the next 16 registration periods was published in the Government Gazette Issue No. 156 (p. 4096) on 16 October 2018. A copy of the Notice of the order is attached.

28 June 2018

Following engagement with the sector, the Department has revised the Guide to Local Government Auditing Reforms which includes a number of amendments that affect local governments.

23 November 2017

The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (Queen's Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2018 on Monday 24 September.

24 October 2017

To reduce the reporting burden on local governments, audited Annual Financial Reports and Western Australian Local Government Grants Commission returns can now be submitted via online forms within Smart Hub.

19 September 2017

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has prepared a guide to inform local governments and auditors about the recent reforms to the conduct of local government audits.

4 January 2017

As local governments commence their annual budget setting process for the 2017-18 financial year it is an opportune time for a reminder about how the budget process influences rating models.