Overview
The Budget contains an additional $5 million towards the establishment of the Office of the Local Government Inspector, bringing total funding to $10.5 million over five years.
$8.8 million is allocated over 2025-26 to 2028-29 to further consolidate Native Title functions across the State Government through the establishment of a Native Title Future Acts (NTFA) Unit within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The NTFA Unit will be responsible for leading Future Act negotiations that are a critical enabler for State significant projects, supporting other significant negotiations led by the State Government, and establishing centralised governance for Future Act matters.
WALGA Comment
WALGA welcomes the funding of the Office of the Local Government Inspector and looks forward to working with the State Government on future Local Government reforms.
WALGA has advocated for funding to support Local Government development and implementation of Local Public Health Plans required under Stage 5 of the Public Health Act 2016, however this was not included in the Budget.
WALGA welcomes the investment in a new Future Acts Framework that will create clarity for all parties and increase opportunities for Local Government to collaborate with the State Government and Native Title bodies to support regional economic growth and social outcomes.
