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Intro

Communique
The State Local Government Partnership Agreement Leadership Group met on the  24 March 2020 to discuss COVID-19.  The meeting was co-chaired by the Premier, Hon Mark McGowan and Hon David Templeman, Minister for Local Government and attended by the Hon. Rita Saffioti, Minister for Planning, President Tracey Roberts, Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) President, Jamie Parry, Local Government Professionals WA (LG Professionals WA ), and executive staff. 
 
The Premier emphasised the circumstances that are facing the State, and indeed the world are without precedent; and the State’s response to this is going to rely heavily on Local Government and the contribution the sector can make in supporting households and business.
 
The Premier reaffirmed his call for Local Governments to place an urgent and immediate freeze to all household and business fees and charges. 
 

The Premier urged the sector to focus on continuity of employment for their workforce and focusing on new ways in which to utilise staff whose roles may have been impacted.  He further urged activity to bring about job creation, bringing forward projects currently planned or under consideration.

The Premier urged the sector to focus on continuity of employment for their workforce and focusing on new ways in which to utilise staff whose roles may have been impacted.  He further urged activity to bring about job creation, bringing forward projects currently planned or under consideration.

The Premier was explicit in his statement that "we’re beyond talking about business as usual" and he was looking to the sector to think outside the box on ways in which to support community and business during this time.
 

The Premier confirmed he would address the sector at a sector update webinar, to be held at 2:00pm on Friday, 27 March. 

Other initiatives discussed.

  • Freeing up approvals processes.
  • Assistance with setting up boundaries.
  • Landing Fees.
  • Support for small businesses.
  • Relief for organisations that lease Local Government premises.
  • What are Essential Services?
  • State/Local Government stimulus initiative funding.
  • Impact of revaluations scheduled by the Valuer General on Local Government rate freezing initiatives.
  • Freezing of increases to utilities charges/street lighting tariffs that impact on Local Government finances.

The next PLGC meeting is for the 1 September 2020. Further information on the State Local Government Partnership Agreement is available on the DLGSC website.

State Local Government Partnership Agreement Leadership Group Attendees

Tuesday 24 March 2020, Dumas House, West Perth. 

Members

  • Hon Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia (Chair) 
  • Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Local Government and Culture and the Arts
  • Hon Rita Saffioti MLA Minister for Transport; Planning; Lands
  • Cr Tracey Roberts, President, Western Australian Local Government Association
  • Mr Jamie Parry, President, Western Australian Local Government Professionals WA

Invited Participants and Observers

  • Mr Gary Hamley, Chief of Staff, Office of the Hon. David Templeman, MLA 
  • Mr Dave Coggin, Principal Policy Advisor, Office of the Premier, Hon. Mark McGowan, MLA
  • Mr Duncan Ord, Director General, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
  • Ms Candy Choo, Chief Executive Officer, Western Australian Local Government Professionals WA
  • Mr Nick Sloan, Chief Executive Officer, Western Australian Local Government Association
  • Mr Richard Farrell, Chief of Staff, Office of the Hon. Rita Saffioti, MLA
  • Ms Sarah Norton, A/Director, Federal State Relations, Department of Premier and Cabinet
  • Ms Yvette Peterson, Local Government Policy and Engagement, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (Executive Officer)
 

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Page reviewed 10 June 2025