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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.
Australian flag

Australian national flag to fly at half-mast – 5 January 2023

Jan 4, 2023

LG Alert

Funeral Service for His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (1927 - 2022)
Lovers Cove in Albany, Western Australia

LG Hotline unavailable 12 noon, 23 December 2022, resuming 3 January 2023

Dec 21, 2022

LG Alert

The Local Government Advisory Hotline service provides local government officers and elected members with support and advice related to the Local Government Act 1995.
Maylands streetscape at dusk

Spotlight on: City of Bayswater

Mar 3, 2022
Outgoing City of Bayswater CEO Andrew Brien speaks to Local Matters about the City, its achievements and the future.
Local Government Act changes

Industrial relations reform for local governments

Jan 13, 2022

LG Alert

The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 was passed by the WA Parliament on 16 December 2021.

Local governments lace up

Sep 24, 2021
Event preparations are well underway across WA for the State's historic AFL Grand Final celebrations on Saturday — in particular, at the City of Perth and Town of Victoria Park.
Moore River and Guilderton

Spotlight on Shire of Gingin

Aug 25, 2021
The Shire of Gingin is a peri-urban council that is located 80km from the heart of Perth and directly north of Wanneroo. The shire’s CEO Aaron Cook gives an overview of the local government area and the plans for the future.
A photo of Andrea Selvey

Spotlight on: CEO Andrea Selvey, Shire of Carnarvon

Jun 21, 2021
Andrea Selvey is the CEO of the Shire of Carnarvon, situated about 904km north of Perth on the west coast.
Sunrise at Busselton Jetty, Busselton, Western Australia

What’s in a name?

Jun 21, 2021
In the 150th year of WA local government, Dr Christopher Berry talks about local government names and where they originate.
A puppy sitting and leaning to one side

Stop Puppy Farming Bill reintroduced

Jun 4, 2021
The Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Bill 2021 (the Bill) has been reintroduced into Parliament.

Comment sought on planning reforms

May 28, 2021

LG Alert

Local governments are being invited to comment on the next phase of reforms to streamline the planning system and reduce red tape.
Naturalisation ceremony at the Northam Town Hall, 1955 SLWA BA1728/165

150 years of local government in WA

Apr 19, 2021
This year marks 150 years since a system of local government was introduced in Western Australia.
ASW Bunbury Melo Velo, Makers and co, Lighthouse 5

Bunbury plugs into e-waste solution

Apr 19, 2021
The City of Bunbury is one of three local governments to receive State Government funding from the WasteSorted e-Waste grants program.

Spotlight on the Shire of Mingenew

Apr 19, 2021
The Shire of Mingenew is about 100km south-east of Geraldton, covering about 2000 square kilometres.
Cottesloe council members inspecting their new rubbish tip truck, 1950.

Roads, rubbish, rates and a hat pin panic

Apr 19, 2021
Continuing Local Matters’ acknowledgement of 150 years of local government in WA, here are some lesser known facts about local governments from Dr Chris Berry.
Person writing

Program eases pressure on local small business

Apr 19, 2021
The cities of Melville, Rockingham and Wanneroo are the first group of councils selected to take part in the Small Business Friendly Approvals Program.
Amanda O'Halloran, CEO Shire of Derby West Kimberley

Spotlight on CEO Amanda O’Halloran, Shire of Derby West Kimberley

Apr 19, 2021
Amanda O’Halloran’s career as local government Chief Executive Officer has taken her from one of the smallest in size — the Shire of Wandering — to one of the largest, the Shire of Derby West Kimberley, at more than 104,000 square kilometres.
OMI Multicultural Award winners 2021

Awards showcase champions of multiculturalism

Apr 19, 2021
The Shire of Katanning has been recognised for its outstanding contribution towards multiculturalism at the Western Australian Multicultural Awards 2021.

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor – March 2021 results out now

Apr 16, 2021
After months of low COVID-19 cases, Western Australians are confident returning to arts and cultural events – and many are making firm plans to do so.
Mint Images/Getty Images

Local government input required — Graffiti Vandalism Strategy

Oct 6, 2020

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.
Empty ACROD parking bays

Local Government ACROD Parking Accessibility Review Survey

Oct 2, 2020

Departmental Circular 10 2020

Amendments to the Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Regulations 2014 (Regulations) came into effect on 25 April 2020.
GettyImages-72890531_1405x791

Local Government Regulations Amendment (Infringement Notices) Regulations 2020

Sep 29, 2020

Departmental Circular 9 2020

I write to inform you of changes to infringement notices prescribed in legislation enforced by WA local governments.
People in waiting room - stock photo

Amendment to Regulation 9(1) of the Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007

Sep 22, 2020

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.
A person writing with a pen

Lodgement of draft financial statements with your auditor by 30 September 2020

Sep 18, 2020

LG Alert

Local governments may be aware that the department is currently consulting with the sector on proposed amendments to the Financial Management Regulations that could affect 2019-20 financial statements.
Montage of people's faces on hexagon tiles

Universal Council Member Training

Sep 18, 2020

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.
GettyImages-72890531_1405x791

Local Government Act Review Phase One Regulations - Opportunity to Comment

May 19, 2020
The State Government is giving local governments the opportunity to comment on the Local Government Act Review Phase One Regulations.
Paperwork on desk

Procurement - Contract Extensions and Variations

May 19, 2020
On 4 May 2020, the Auditor General tabled a performance audit report in Parliament on local government contract extensions and variations.
Library shelves

Local government sector urged to take leadership role

May 12, 2020

LG Alert

The local government sector has a key role to play in the Phase 2 easing of restrictions and in helping communities get back on their feet and the economy back on track.
Office desk

City of Perth Inquiry extension granted after COVID-19 impacts

May 1, 2020
Local Government Minister David Templeman has granted an extension to the Inquiry into the City of Perth following delays caused by COVID-19.
GettyImages-121101270_1405x791

Big increases in fines for drivers illegally parking in ACROD bays

Apr 23, 2020
Penalties for the misuse of disability parking bays to be some of the highest in the country. Fines for illegally parking in an ACROD bay increase to $500, up from $300. Increase in court-imposed penalties to a maximum of $5,000
GettyImages-1161449765

Notice of Electronic Council Meetings During Emergencies

Mar 28, 2020

Departmental Circular 6 2020

Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.
Gifts Framework

New gifts framework

Oct 18, 2019

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.
2020 in blocks

Alternative Queen's Birthday public holiday dates 2020

Oct 17, 2019

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.
Carlien Jeanne at Gascoyne in May

Grant programs to increase regional arts activity

Sep 19, 2019
Two new grant programs that opened this week will increase the number and variety of arts and culture activities presented in regional Western Australia, by supporting the costs of their delivery.
A closeup photo of the WA State Government coat of arms on Parliament House

Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019

Jul 9, 2019

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.
Albany wind farm

Ministerial Circular 04 2018

Dec 21, 2018

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.
WA State Parliament

Local Government Regulations Amendment (Recovery of Advanced Payments) Regulations 2018

Dec 11, 2018

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.
Close up of 2 office workers checking a page on a clipboard

Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Act 2018

Nov 20, 2018

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.
Happy Young Australian Aboriginal Girl Learning to Sing and Dance to a Song - stock photo

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition

Aug 14, 2018

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.
Hand of a accounatant analysing line graph on computer screen

Guide to Local Government Auditing Reforms

Jun 28, 2018

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.
Close up of 2 office workers checking a page on a clipboard

Suspension and Dismissal Amendment Bill 2018

Mar 14, 2018

Ministerial Circular 1 2018

Today I introduced into Parliament the Local Government Amendment (Suspension and Dismissal) Bill 2018.
Page reviewed 23 August 2023
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