The department provides support and advisory services to 139 local governments, including 2 Indian Ocean Territories.
Our services aim to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations, levels of accountability and legislative compliance.
There are 2 support services available to local government officers and council members — a general advisory line and a financial policy and accounting help desk. Members of the public with concerns involving their local government should attempt to resolve them directly with their local government.
Find out more about resolving a concern with your local government
Email lghotline@dlgsc.wa.gov.auTelephone 1300 762 5118:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
To allow for an informed response, it is preferred that complex enquiries are made by email in the first instance.
Questions related to long service leave should be directed to the responsible area of the relevant local government, or if a member, to WALGA's Employee Relations service.
Financial and accounting support for WA’s local government sector.
Guidelines to help local governments work efficiently and effectively.
A guide to meetings for elected members to support their effective participation in council and committee meetings.
LG Alert
Local government councils must approve, by absolute majority, appointments to the position of chief executive officer (CEO) and their employment contracts.
Guidance material on council and committee meetings has been updated to better support the establishment and operation of committees in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.
A 3-month consultation period is now open to inform the development of new regulations and guidance materials to standardise local government council and meeting procedures in WA.
Please join us for our first local government reform webinar for this year.
Local government financial and accounting officers are invited to provide feedback on the model financial statements and guidance material we provided for 2022-23.
Regulation 33A of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations now requires local governments to undertake a review of their 2023-24 annual budget no earlier than 31 December 2023 and no later than 29 February 2024.
Local governments must organise for new council members to undertake mandatory training.
Local governments, community members, animal rehoming services, vet practices and other stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on proposed new Dog and Cat Regulations before public consultation closes on 5pm 20 November 2023.
Remembrance Day is a day of special significance, commemorating the loss of Australian lives in all wars, conflicts and peace operations.
The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (King’s Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2024 on Monday 23 September.
Please join us for our monthly reform webinar.
A State Funeral Service for the Honourable William (Bill) George Hayden AC will take place at 9.00 am AWST on Friday 3 November 2023 at St Mary’s Church, Elizabeth Street, Ipswich, Queensland.
Local governments will need to prepare for their first Council meeting post election.
From 1 September 2023, local governments are required to disclose information about each transaction made on a credit card, debit card or other purchasing cards.
The State Government has brought in the next set of local government regulation amendments with the Local Government Regulation Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2023.
DLGSC has engaged the Town Team Movement to deliver free placemaking training for the whole local government sector in WA.
Section 6.4 of the Local Government Act 1995 sets out the obligations of local governments with regards to their annual financial reporting.
The next local government reform webinar is scheduled for Friday 22 September.
The Western Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed that the Voice to Parliament referendum on 14 October 2023 will not affect the date of local government elections.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has updated a number of guidelines and manuals for local government, as part of its ongoing support for the sector.
Departmental Circular 13 2020
The Local Government Regulations Amendment Regulations (No.2) 2020 (previously named the Local Government Regulations Amendments (Consequential) Regulations 2020) have been published in the Government Gazette today (6 November 2020).
Departmental Circular 12 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.
Departmental Circular 11 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.
Departmental Circular 10 2020
Amendments to the Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Regulations 2014 (Regulations) came into effect on 25 April 2020.
Departmental Circular 9 2020
I write to inform you of changes to infringement notices prescribed in legislation enforced by WA local governments.
Departmental Circular 8 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.
Departmental Circular 7 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.
Ministerial Circular 5 2020
As you are aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Ministerial Circular 4 2020
As you are aware, I appointed an Inquiry Panel on 2 March 2018 to conduct an inquiry into the ability of the City of Perth (the City) to provide for the good governance of the people in the City.
Ministerial Circular 3 2020
As you would be aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Ministerial Circular 2 2020
I am pleased to advise that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with penalties for illegal parking in ACROD bays.
Ministerial Circular 1 2020
I am advising that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with access to funding, procurement and long service leave during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Departmental Circular 6 2020
Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.
Departmental Circular 5 2020
His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulations to allow local government councils to hold meetings electronically during a public health emergency or a state of emergency. This can be via teleconference, video conference or other electronic means.
Departmental Circular 4 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.
Departmental Circular 3 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.
Departmental Circular 2 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.
Departmental Circular 14 2019
To reflect the changes introduced by the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019, the department has updated some of the Operational Guidelines.
Departmental Circular 13 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.
Departmental Circular 12 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.
Departmental Circular 11 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.
Departmental Circular 10 2019
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 2020 on Monday 28 September.
Ministerial Circular 2 2017
In light of recent off-road vehicle incidents across the State, local governments are reminded of the options available for controlling off-road vehicle use in the community.
Ministerial Circular 4 2017
I am pleased to advise that following feedback from the local government sector, the McGowan Government has responded to requests to change the period of time that local governments can invest in fixed term deposits.
Ministerial Circular 6 2017
I am pleased to announce the release of the policy and guidelines for the establishment of regional subsidiaries.
Departmental Circular 7 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.
Departmental Circular 6 2018
The Auditor General has conducted a number of local government Performance Audits since the proclamation of the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017.
Departmental Circular 5 2019
Local governments are reminded of their audit reporting obligations under section 7.12A(4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1995.
Departmental Circular 4 2019
In October 2018, the Transport (Road Passenger Services) Act 2018 (TRPS Act) was passed by the Parliament of Western Australia and a number of reforms impacting parking local laws will come into effect on 2 July 2019.
Ministerial Circular 1 2019
Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Departmental Circular 3 2019
In June 2017, the McGowan Government announced a review of the Local Government Act 1995 (LG Act).
Departmental Circular 2 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.
Departmental Circular 1 2019
A recent decision of the State Administrative Tribunal has significant implications in relation to what constitutes a park home.
Ministerial Circular 4 2018
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, it is timely to reflect on a busy 2018 and what promises to be an equally busy 2019.
Departmental Circular 4 2018
On 4 December 2018, the Executive Council approved amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996.
Ministerial Circular 3 2018
The Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Act 2018 has received Royal Assent with the amendments taking effect from 20 November 2018.
Departmental Circular 3 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.
Ministerial Circular 2 2018
Acknowledgement and recognition of Western Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as the traditional owners of our nation, is an important part of progressing towards the goal of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Departmental Circular 2 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.
Ministerial Circular 1 2018
Today I introduced into Parliament the Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Bill 2018.
Departmental Circular 21 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.
Ministerial Circular 8 2017
I am aware of concerns raised within the local government sector about the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries' Risk Profile and the way the department has communicated with the sector with regard to the profile.
Departmental Circular 20 2017
Local governments are advised that the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 was proclaimed on Friday, 27 October 2017 in the WA Government Gazette No. 207, page 5413.
Departmental Circular 19 2015
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.
Ministerial Circular 7 2017
Following an amendment to the Local Government (Regional Subsidiaries) Regulations 2017, a regional subsidiary is now permitted to conduct land transactions if they are necessary for pursuing a purpose specified in the subsidiary's charter or winding up the subsidiary.
Departmental Circular 16 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.
Ministerial Circular 5 2017
Local government 2015-16 financial data will be available on the MyCouncil comparative website from Thursday 1 June 2017.
Ministerial Circular 3 2017
Recently, I have had the privilege of awarding funding through the Country Local Government Fund – Youth Development Program to 25 local government scholarship recipients and 12 local governments to implement traineeship programs.
Ministerial Circular 1 2017
I am pleased to announce the introduction of the regional subsidiary model in Western Australia. This is a mechanism that local governments have sought for many years and the necessary changes have now been enacted.
Departmental Circular 2 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.