Published on:
Thursday, 15 August 2024- WALGA welcomes the reforms in the Local Government Amendment Bill 2024
- The establishment of an independent Office of the Local Government Inspector and Monitors is welcomed
- WALGA has strongly advocated for greater clarity on roles and responsibilities
- Welcomes superannuation for Elected Members
After consultation with the State Government, WALGA today welcomed the second tranche of reforms to the Local Government Act (1995).
Reforms that introduce the State-funded Office of the Local Government Inspector will also provide clarity for Mayors, Presidents, Elected Members and Council Chief Executive Officers on their roles and responsibilities.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP welcomed the changes tabled in Parliament this week.
“After the first tranche of reforms arrived in May 2023, we shifted our focus to the next phase of legislative priorities and we thank the Minister for meeting with us regularly and working with us on the detail of the changes.
“These reforms will provide clarity on the separation of roles and responsibilities between Elected Members and Local Government Officers.
“I am confident the Local Government Inspector will provide for improved and more efficient monitoring should early intervention on issues be required.”
Cr Chappel is pleased that Councils can now determine to pay superannuation to their Elected Members.
The reforms also provide powers to allow Local Governments to no longer respond to repeated vexatious complaints and activity, meaning effort and resources are not diverted away from community service delivery.
“We are also delighted that our advocacy positions on regional collaboration between Councils, an ability for Councils to undertake Local Law making, changes to the financial rules on building upgrade finance and the ability to borrow funds against land, are recognised in the reforms,” says Cr Chappel.
Local Government Minister the Hon Hannah Beazley MLA has acknowledged the collaboration with WALGA in introducing the reforms.
“Strong advocacy by WALGA informed my decision to ensure the Inspector is established as a statutory officer appointed by the Governor.
“Thank you to WALGA for working collaboratively with the WA Government on these new reforms - your expertise and insight are appreciated.”
Cr Chappel acknowledged the strong engagement of the Local Government sector on the reforms to date and now look forward to continuing to work with the State Government throughout the transition period.
To arrange an interview with WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP please contact WALGA Media and Communications Manager Simon Beaumont on 0448 896 435 or via [email protected]
