The State Government has announced the Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package.
Information for local governments to help deliver good governance to the community.
Latest COVID-19 information, updates and resources.
We are shifting all face-to-face meetings online, where possible. If you need to visit us, you can check in using Services WA, SafeWA or use the paper-based contact register. Ensure you wear a mask indoors at all times.
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
Anzac Day is a day of special significance to all Australians, particularly for our serving military personnel and returned veterans.
This webinar is suitable for local government CEOs, and staff involved in economic development, small business support and place activation roles.
Wednesday 30 March 2022
Several local governments have contacted the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries about the requirement to hold Electors’ general meetings and Special electors’ meetings (Electors' meetings) and if they can be held electronically.
Flying the Indigenous flags on National Sorry Day and throughout National Reconciliation Week recognises the significance of these events for all Australians and is a sign of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
Wednesday 26 January 2022
The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 was passed by the WA Parliament on 16 December 2021.
This means changes to the Dog Act 1976 to better regulate the breeding of dogs in Western Australia.
Following the 2021 Ordinary Elections, local governments are reminded that under the Local Government Act 1995, council members must complete the Council Member Essentials (CME) training course.
Flags at half mast and observance of 1 minute of silence on Thursday 11 November 2021.
Alternative dates
Flying of flags
Day of National Celebration, Friday 17 September 2021
The transitional period for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to take over local government financial statement audits has finished, and all future audits will be undertaken by OAG.
Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning program closing soon.
Local Government Operational Guidelines
There is just a month to go until nominations for this year’s local government elections open.
The Local Government (Elections) Amendment Regulations 2021, come into effect on 2 August 2021.
DLGSC, with the Department of Health, is holding two exclusive information sessions for local government staff and elected members in Western Australia.
Flying the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags throughout NAIDOC Week is a sign of national respect for Indigenous Australians.
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 Local Government Compliance Framework outlines the department's approach to ensuring that the integrity of the local government sector is of the highest order.
The department administers the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (the Act).
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.