Services provided for local governments
The department provides support and advisory services to 139 local governments, including two Indian Ocean Territories.
These services aim to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations, levels of accountability and legislative compliance. The Local Government Advisory Hotline is a telephone support service available to local government officers and elected members.
Telephone 1300 762 511Email lghotline@dlgsc.wa.gov.au8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
Guidelines to help local governments work efficiently and effectively
Guidelines to help local governments with accounting requirements
The Western Australian Treasury Corporation (WATC) has developed a Local Government Authority Sustainability Model to help local governments evaluate their solvency and sustainability.
The financial Model provides local government with the ability to assess how adjustments to the following might impact their financial position over a future 10-year period:
The model takes the long-term financial plan (LTFP) and actual financial data of a local government — provided to WATC as part of regular accounting and reporting — as a starting point to provide a 10-year forecast of financial performance.
The model then provides the Local Government Authority (LGA) with the capability to adjust key financial 'levers' and consider a range of scenarios, in order to assess long term outcomes, solvency and sustainability.
Three elements combine to gauge the effective financial sustainability of an LGA:
A central tenant for an LGA’s long term sustainability is the need to ensure that:
For more information download the PowerPoint on the Local Government Authority Sustainability Model.
Local governments are invited to register to participate in the Western Australian Treasury Corporation (WATC) Local Government Authority Sustainability Model by contacting:
Laura TraceySenior Project OfficerDepartment of Local Government Sport and Cultural IndustriesTelephone 61 8 6552 1422Email laura.tracey@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Local governments are requested to express their interest in participating in the model by Friday 21 July 2020 to allow support resources to be effectively allocated.
Enquiries or for more information on the Local Government Authority Sustainability Model contact:
Gordon MacMileDirector Strategic Coordination and DeliveryPlanning and Service Delivery Telephone 61 8 9492 9752Email gordon.macmile@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Departmental Circular 13 2020
The Local Government Regulations Amendment Regulations (No.2) 2020 (previously named the Local Government Regulations Amendments (Consequential) Regulations 2020) have been published in the Government Gazette today (6 November 2020).
Departmental Circular 12 2020
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 2021 on Monday 27 September.
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.
Departmental Circular 10 2020
Amendments to the Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Regulations 2014 (Regulations) came into effect on 25 April 2020.
Departmental Circular 9 2020
I write to inform you of changes to infringement notices prescribed in legislation enforced by WA local governments.
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.
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.
Ministerial Circular 5 2020
As you are aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Ministerial Circular 4 2020
As you are aware, I appointed an Inquiry Panel on 2 March 2018 to conduct an inquiry into the ability of the City of Perth (the City) to provide for the good governance of the people in the City.
Ministerial Circular 3 2020
As you would be aware, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 was passed by Parliament on 16 April 2020 and came into effect on 21 April 2020.
Ministerial Circular 2 2020
I am pleased to advise that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with penalties for illegal parking in ACROD bays.
Ministerial Circular 1 2020
I am advising that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with access to funding, procurement and long service leave during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Departmental Circular 6 2020
Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.
Departmental Circular 5 2020
His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulations to allow local government councils to hold meetings electronically during a public health emergency or a state of emergency. This can be via teleconference, video conference or other electronic means.
Departmental Circular 4 2020
Under the Emergency Management Act 2005, the Commissioner of Police and State Emergency Coordinator, Chris Dawson, has issued directions regarding the closure of various establishments to the public in WA to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Departmental Circular 3 2020
As our state and nation face the challenges of COVID-19, many of our supermarkets and other businesses are struggling to meet unprecedented consumer demand.
Departmental Circular 2 2020
On Tuesday 3 March 2020, the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Amendment Regulations 2020 (amendment regulations) are being published in the Government Gazette and come into effect the following day.
Departmental Circular 14 2019
To reflect the changes introduced by the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019, the department has updated some of the Operational Guidelines.
Departmental Circular 13 2019
McLeods Barristers and Solicitors have recently released an article titled Protection of CEOs from bullying in the workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Departmental Circular 12 2019
Following the recent local government elections, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is running a free, one-day workshop for new Mayors, Presidents, Deputy Mayors and Deputy Presidents.