Stage one

• Areas of reform
• Consultation to date
• What we heard
• Outcomes – Act amendments
• Submissions

Areas of reform

The areas of reform identified in the first stage of the Local Government Act review included: 

• Administrative efficiencies
• CEO recruitment and performance review
• Code of conduct (standards of behaviour)
• Gifts
• Public notices
• Universal training

The department released a consultation paper on the stage one priority reforms on 8 November 2017. 

Local Government Act Review Consultation Paper Stage One

Following the release of the paper, the department held local government and community workshops in locations across Western Australia.

The purpose of the workshops was three-fold:

• to inform participants about the review;
• to hear the views of participants; and
• to encourage participants to make a formal submission.

Consultation on stage one of the Local Government Act review closed on 9 March 2018. 

Local Government Workshops 

Workshops with local governments were held in 14 locations across Western Australia. Venues were selected based on invitations by local governments, availability of suitable venues, alignment with WALGA zone meetings to maximise participation, and the extent that the locations allowed the greatest coverage across Western Australia. 

Almost 400 Mayors, Shire Presidents, Councillors, Chief Executive Officers and local government employees participated.  

Consultation to date

What we heard

On 1 August 2018 the State Government announced its policy positions on the priority reforms to be progressed following the four month consultation period with the community and local government ​sector.

Outcomes — Act amendments

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

The Act addresses the following key areas: 

• Elected member training
• The treatment of gifts
• A new code of conduct
• Changes to the Standards Panel
• Best practice standards for CEO recruitment, performance review and early termination
• Greater transparency as more information is made more easily accessible online

The reforms that commenced immediately included: 

• The introduction of universal training for candidates and council members
• The greater access to information held by a local government

Reforms that took effect in October 2019 were:

• A new framework for the treatment of gifts
  

Reforms expected to commence in early 2020 include:

• Changes to public notice requirements
• Simplification of appointment of authorised officers

Further work is being undertaken on the following reforms:

• A new code of conduct
• Best practice standards for CEO recruitment, performance review and early termination. 

FAQs about the Act amendments 

Circulars

More information on the Act amendments:

Submissions

The public submission period on phase one closed on 9 March 2018. More than 240 submissions were received.

The department acknowledges those who have provided submissions to the review.