The Western Australian government has proposed significant changes to the Local Government Act.

The state wants to create an inspector of local government to investigate complaints, tougher penalties, mandatory recordings of council meetings, and narrower definitions of confidential meetings.

The planned reforms would give full public view to important matters regarding town planning and development applications, budgeting, major land transactions, and leases of local government property.

CEO appointments, management of behavioural complaints about elected members, and local government cyber security would all remain confidential. 

WA local government minister John Carey said the changes were inspired by reviews into Western Australia’s local government system. 

“The public are fed up with dysfunction and repeat bad behaviour by a small number of councillors. Chaotic meetings and petty squabbles are not good enough,” he said.

 “The reality is, most local governments and councils are doing great work for their communities but these reforms will ensure we have penalties in place that properly address poor behaviour, including suspensions of up to three months for serious misconduct and bans of up to 10 years for elected members who consistently breach the Act,” the minister said. 

The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) says the reforms would strengthen the sector and better serve ratepayers in the long term.

WALGA President Karen Chappel says the proposed package reflects the changing role and expectations the community held for Local Government.

“Many of the initiatives outlined by Minister Carey today are well supported by the sector and will further improve the accountability and efficiency of local governments across the state,” she said.

“We have been seeking modernisation of Local Government legislation for some time and I am pleased to see the Minister has listened to our advocacy.”

WALGA says the introduction of an independent Local Government Inspector would give ratepayers confidence that all Local Governments were serving their communities responsibly and would result in a faster and less costly process in resolving complaints.

Cr Chappel said reducing unnecessary red-tape across a range of areas of Local Government responsibility would be beneficial for ratepayers in all communities.