Information for local governments to help deliver good governance to the community.
Latest COVID-19 information, updates and resources.
The department provides advice and support to WA's 137 local governments and two Indian Ocean Territories.
We aim to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations and improve levels of accountability and legislative compliance.
The resources and information in this section are provided to assist local councils to fulfil their legislative obligations and develop best practices.
To support local governments during the current COVID-19 pandemic, a number of legislative changes have been made to the Local Government Act and regulations.
Services to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations, levels of accountability and legislative compliance
Guidelines to help local governments work efficiently and effectively
The department administers a number of acts of parliament covering a range of issues, and develops and amends acts and regulations within its responsibility.
Local Government Financial Assistance Grants, funded by the Commonwealth Government, are distributed among 137 local governments in Western Australia each year.
LG Alert
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has issued a Request for Information for the procurement of a centralised registration system for cats and dogs.
CEO Standards for Recruitment, Performance Review and Termination (CEO Standards) were introduced in Western Australia in February 2021.
Minister for Local Government Hon. John Carey will be advising all Western Australian local governments of pathways to the election reforms, which were announced as a wider package of local government reforms on 3 July 2022.
The Auditor General has tabled in Parliament the Financial Audit Results — Local Government 2020-21. At the time of tabling 16 audits remained outstanding.
State Funeral Service, United Kingdom, Her Majesty the Queen.
Sunday 11 September 2022
Her Majesty the Queen
The Minister for Local Government, in association with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), is hosting a roundtable discussion to explore ideas for increasing diversity on Western Australia’s councils.
Australian National Flag Day, celebrated on 3 September 2022, marks 121 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown in 1901 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, the site of Australia’s first Parliament.
Effective complaint handling is fundamental to the provision of a quality service but responding to complainants can be complex, challenging, and does not always suit a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
The Financial Better Practice Review Program is a new DLGSC initiative to strengthen the local government sector.
There are a high number of Extraordinary Elections scheduled for various local council vacancies in the coming months and all local governments need to be prepared to issue absent votes.
All organisations, public and private, face the risk of fraud. Local governments can benefit from a better understanding of their specific fraud risks and taking a coordinated approach to managing them.
An Office of the Auditor General report into IT systems has highlighted the need for all local governments to continuously review and improve their practices to protect against cyber threats.
Local governments are advised that important changes under the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (IRLA Act) commenced on 20 June 2022.
The State Government has announced the final package of reforms to the Local Government Act 1995, following a review of public submissions.
The Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 enables the Minister for Local Government to make an order that modifies or suspends provisions of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) and Regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 to 10 July 2022
With 30 June fast approaching, some local governments need to make sure they have their asset revaluations ready for audit.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is reviewing the Financial Health Indicator, which is available on the MyCouncil website.
The department supports the local government sector in the provision of good governance and compliance by monitoring, promoting and enforcing compliance with legislation.
Providing transparency and giving local governments and the public certainty about the department's approach to managing complaints.
The MyCouncil website is a place where you can find out how local governments are raising, spending and managing their money.
Smart Hub is a portal enabling local governments, regional councils and the department to engage, using a secure and centralised online environment.
Investigating complaints relating to minor or serious breaches of the Local Government Act 1995 and its subsidiary legislation.
Local government contract information from the current audit firms.
The department administers the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (the Act).
A key strategic priority for DLGSC is to develop a supportive environment and provide local governments with the tools to build a transparent, robust, and innovative sector.
On 27 June 2019, changes to the Local Government Act 1995 were passed by Parliament which require all council members to undertake training within the first 12 months of being elected.
Being a council member is a big commitment. This induction course has been developed to assist your understanding of what your obligations and commitments will be if you are elected.
Information on how the council election system works.
Information on how rates are set.
The department monitors and provides advice to assist local governments with making their local laws.
Information and guidance materials on parking for people with disability.
The department provides executive support to both the WA Local Government Grants Commission and the Local Government Advisory Board.
A regional subsidiary is designed to be a convenient way for local governments to pool their resources and cooperate more closely with neighbouring districts.
There are no upcoming events.