Local government electoral reforms are being rolled out in WA. 

The Western Australian government has introduced the Local Government Amendment Bill 2023, marking the first phase of a major local government reform initiative. 

The proposed changes include the implementation of preferential voting for local elections, the election of a mayor or president for larger councils, and the elimination of wards for smaller local governments. 

The reform package also aims to increase transparency and accountability in local councils, with measures including the establishment of state-wide caretaker periods during ordinary council elections, mandatory communications between council members and the local government administration, and the requirement for local councils to disclose information about local government leases, grants, and contracts through an online register. 

Local government minister John Carey has thanked all those involved in consultations to date and emphasised that the reforms will enable fairer local democracy and community engagement. 

The second phase of the reforms will focus on the establishment of a new Local Government Inspector and the introduction of monitors for early intervention in local government matters. 

The government says it will continue to engage with the sector to ensure that the reforms are implemented effectively.