Local government in WA

The Local Government Act 1995 provides for the functions and powers of local governments in WA.
  • Each local government is responsible for a district, which may be referred to as a ‘city’, ‘town’ or ‘shire’. In the case of class 1 and 2 local governments, this district may be split into smaller areas called ‘wards’. While a council member may be elected by a particular ward, their duty is to represent the whole local government district. 
  • Local governments have an elected governing body and an administrative body:
    • Elected body — known as the council
      • Consists of between 5  and 15 elected members (also called council members). 1 member is the mayor or president, who has a specific role under the Local Government Act 1995.
      • Is the governing body and sets the overall direction for the local district through strategic planning and policy decisions. The council adopts a longer-term view of the future for the community and makes plans and policies to achieve this.
      • The council is required to monitor the local government’s performance through audits and budget reviews and to ensure the local government has adequate resources to perform required tasks.
      • The council is responsible for recruiting and appointing the local government’s chief executive officer (CEO), and for managing the CEO and reviewing their performance. 
    • Administrative body — known as the administration:
      • Led by a CEO appointed by the council, who is responsible for the employment, direction and management of all local government employees.
      • Local government employees are public officers that report to the CEO and manage the delivery of local government services and functions.
      • Local government employees, under the direction of the CEO, are responsible for providing advice to the council, implementing council plans and policies, and taking action on council decisions. 
York Town Hall, built in 1911 due to the increased wealth brought on by Gold rushes in eastern areas of the state. A local stands in front of this historic building which is frequented regularly by Tourists to this picturesque town.

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Page reviewed 29 February 2024
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