Local Government Act Review

About the reforms

Local governments and community were invited to have their say on the priority reforms earlier this year and the drafting of a Bill which includes universal training for candidates and council members, council member code of conduct, improvements to CEO recruitment and performance review and a simplified gift framework is now underway.

Read the policy positions on the priority reforms

The next stage will result in a new Local Government Act and focuses on delivering for the community based on the themes Agile, Smart and Inclusive. It considers nine key topic areas as outlined in the table below and local governments and community members are currently invited to have a say on some or all of the reform areas.

Agile

Agile includes topics that focus specifically on how local governments can best use their resources to adapt to changing conditions. It is important that they can strike a balance between community expectations, the practical limitations of revenue and expenditure and external pressures.

Smart

Smart includes topics that focus specifically on enabling local governments to better meet the needs and expectations of their communities through being transparent and accountable.

Inclusive

Inclusive focuses specifically on local governments representing and involving their communities in decision-making. As the tier of government closest to the community, there is an expectation that local governments represent the whole community, recognise diversity within their district and are responsive to community needs.

Consultation on proposed Code of Conduct and CEO Standards

On 27 June 2019, the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 was passed in Parliament. The Act includes a requirement for the introduction of:

• a mandatory code of conduct for council members, committee members and candidates (Code of Conduct); and
• mandatory minimum standards covering the recruitment, selection, performance review and early termination of local government Chief Executive Officers (CEO Standards).

The department is seeking feedback on the draft Code of Conduct and draft CEO Standards and accompanying guidelines. 

Feedback can be provided via the completion of the online surveys or by sending written submissions to the department at actreview@dlgsc.wa.gov.au. Submissions close on 6 December 2019.

Priority reforms

On 27 June 2019, the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 was passed by Parliament.

Reform areas

Consultation closed on 31 March 2019. Click on one of the below topic areas to read more about reforms proposed during the consultation period.

Journey towards a new Local Government Act

• July 2017 State Government makes an election commitment to review the LG Act 1995.
• November 2017 Consultation on priority reforms begins.
• August 2018 Policy positions for priority reforms are announced.
• September 2018 Consultation on second stage of reforms begins.
• March 2019 Priority reforms are introduced to Parliament. Consultation on second stage reforms close.
• March 2019 Submissions to the second stage closed on 31 March 2019 and are now being reviewed.
• June 2019 Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 passed.

Survey and postcard responses

Responses

The public submission period closed on 31 March 2019 with more than 3000 responses received. 

The department acknowledges and thanks all who have provided submissions to the review.

All submissions received are being considered.

Consultation to date

The department has consulted with more than 100 organisations and community groups across the State including local government staff, peak bodies, multicultural groups, young people, Aboriginal groups and seniors. Below is a list of all the consultation locations and groups for the current phase of the reforms.

​More information

Email actreview@dlgsc.wa.gov.au ​