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Local Government Portfolio plan on a page

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The local government portfolio area contributes to this vision by supporting and enabling a robust local government sector to achieve positive outcomes for communities in Western Australia.

Strategic priorities
Timeframe1.Deliver a streamlined and contemporary Legislative framework by reforming the Local Government Act and other relevant legislation.2. Develop the supporting environment and provide local governments with the tools to build a transparent, robust, and innovative sector.3. Deliver on our current commitments of existing projects and programs of reform.

Short term

Arrow showing the range of short term (higher) to long term (lower) strategic priorities

Long term

  1. 1.1 Finalise agreement on the Local Government reform package.
  2. 1.2 Finalise reforms and implementation of the new legislation for a centralised system of registration (Dog and Cat breeders).
  3. 1.3 Introduce legislation to ensure the appropriate regulation and recognition of park homes in Western Australia.
  4. 1.4 Introduce a contemporary legislative framework based on the recommendations from the review the Local Government Act.
  5. 1.5 Standardise and streamline local government policies, laws, and procedures; and develop model laws to support local governments.
  6. 1.6 Introduce contemporary legislative framework for cemeteries and cremations in Western Australia.
  1. 2.1 Develop and rollout relevant and useful online material to assist the local government sector.
  2. 2.2 Introduce a risk based approach to inform where support within the local government sector is needed.
  3. 2.3 Develop an ‘early intervention’ model of support for local governments.
  4. 2.4 Develop a scalable financial reporting framework and introduce model financial statements.
  5. 2.5 Support local governments to introduce livestreaming of council meetings across all councils.
  6. 2.6 Encourage and support excellence and innovation through the Better Practice Reviews (BPR).
  7. 2.7 Develop and implement a strategy to work with peak bodies to support and retain good councillors.
  8. 2.8 Work with sector stakeholders to introduce one standardised benchmarking framework for local governments. Review and improve how this is reported through MyCouncil.
  9. 2.9 Develop an education and capacity building framework for local governments.
  10. 2.10 Revise approach and simplification of integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR).
  1. 3.1 Finalise the Partners in Government Agreement and support implementation of agreed outcomes.
  2. 3.2 Deliver election commitments, and implement recommendations from OAG and authorised inquiries.
  3. 3.3 Implement changes to local government legislation and policy under the second tranche of planning reform.
  4. 3.4 Establish a centralised system for dog and cat registrations.
  5. 3.5 Implement Off Road Vehicle legislation and reforms.
  6. 3.6 Deliver a short stay accommodation database for Western Australia.

Enablers to achieve priorities

  • Develop an engagement plan for working in partnership with the local government sector.
  • Build internal capability and capacity to work in different ways and support the sector.
  • Actively engage and work in partnership with other areas of DLGSC to identify new opportunities.
  • Deliver high quality reporting for the local government sector.
  • Leverage data to track and monitor progress within the sector.

Foundations of core business

  • Develop policy and legislation; and process statutory applications.
  • Provide advice and guidance to the local government sector.
  • Address public enquires and complaints; investigate and support investigations.
  • Partner with stakeholders to deliver grants, programs and election commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with local government legislation.
  • Provide executive support to WA Local Government Grants Commission and Advisory Board.
Page reviewed 10 June 2025