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Latest news from the department.

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A stylised banner with an image of an outdoor cinema with the words, 'Local government elections 2023. Speak for those who can't. Stand for your local council. Nominations open 31 August 2023.'

Make your voice heard by becoming a local government councillor

Aug 9, 2023
Members of the Western Australian community are being urged to consider nominating for the upcoming local government elections to be able to influence the decisions being made that potentially impact the lives of thousands of residents.

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Exciting update: PetsWA a central register of dogs and cats. Image of a cat and a dog on a branded image.

Contract awarded to build new PetsWA centralised registration system for dogs and cats

A significant milestone has been reached in the State Government’s Stop Puppy Farming reforms, with a contract awarded to build a new centralised registration system for dogs and cats in Western Australia.
Staff member using office equipment

Model Financial Statements 2023-24 update

LG Alert

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has released updated Model Financial Statements (MFS) guidance material for 2023-24 for all classes of local governments.
A woman standing up in an audience speaking into a microphone

Standardised meeting procedures consultation period extended

LG Alert

Feedback to inform new standardised local government meeting procedures will now close on Friday 7 June 2024.
Woman leans over desk and shakes the hand of a man visiting her office

Funding to establish the Office of the Local Government Inspector

Media release

The first stage of establishing the proposed new local government inspector and monitors will get underway, with the State Government allocating $702,000 in the State Budget to begin planning and establishing this new office that will prevent and address dysfunction in local government in WA.
Staff member using office equipment

Valuation of Land – Mining Tenements on land subject to Miscellaneous Licence

LG Alert

Section 6.26 of the Local Government Act 1995 provides that certain categories of land are not rateable, meaning that a rate bill may not be issued in relation to that land.
Kalgoorlie town hall

New Long Service Leave Regulations and Reform Webinar 9

LG Alert

New Local Government (Long Service Leave) Regulations 2024 now replace the Local Government (Long Service Leave) Regulations of 1977.
Twilight beach near Esperance in Western Australia

Improved long service leave for local government employees

About 23,000 local government employees in Western Australia will benefit from clearer long service leave entitlements with the State Government introducing new regulations that will provide clarity and certainty.
Regulations

CEO recruitment and termination

LG Alert

Local government councils must approve, by absolute majority, appointments to the position of chief executive officer (CEO) and their employment contracts.
A presenter standing at a lecturn engaging an audience

Guidance on council and committee meetings updated

LG Alert

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 woman speaking into a hand held microphone, seated within an audience

Consultation paper proposes simplified local government meeting processes

Media release

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley encouraged local government council members, staff, stakeholders and community members to provide their feedback on proposals to standardise council meeting rules as she opened a 3-month consultation today.
Local Government Act changes

Local government reform webinar 8

LG Alert

Please join us for our first local government reform webinar for this year.

Learn how you can build a more integrated, welcoming community through free placemaking training!

We’ve engaged the Town Team Movement to offer free, online placemaking training to all local government staff and elected officials until 30 June 2024.
GettyImages-801881744_1405w x 791h

Feedback on 2022-23 model financial statements

LG Alert

Local government financial and accounting officers are invited to provide feedback on the model financial statements and guidance material we provided for 2022-23.
High angle view of currency and calculator on table - stock photo

Local government guidance: undertaking your next prescribed budget review

LG Alert

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.
Mature man working at home. He has a laptop and is writing on a document at the table.

Council member mandatory training requirements

LG Alert

Local governments must organise for new council members to undertake mandatory training.

Stop Puppy Farming — consultation closing soon

LG Alert

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.

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Media hub

View DLGSC media statements and get in contact with the media team.
Page reviewed 10 November 2023