The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has bemoaned the lost opportunities to pass key legislation as the Parliament enters its last sitting week for the year.

 

WALGA called on the State Government to pass the Dog Amendment Bill 2012 and the Local Government Amendment Bill (No 2) 2012 before the legislative assembly goes into recess for the rest of the year.

 

WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said the Government needed to grasp the opportunity to pass both pieces of legislation now before the pending recess and run up to State Elections next March.

 

“Both pieces of legislation will greatly assist Local Government operations,” Mayor Pickard said.

 

“In the case of the Dog Act, the current legislation is nearly 30 years old and in dire need of modernisation; whereas the Local Government Amendment Bill provides for the reduction in burdensome red tape.

 

“In addition, the provision for Local Governments to engage in regional subsidiaries is an important tool for Local Governments to deliver services across boundaries and increase their financial sustainability.”


Mayor Pickard said Local Government had been advocating for both Bills for a number of years and had secured support from all political parties. 

 

“WALGA has worked closely with the Local Government Minister and Shadow Minister to gain support for these Bills,” he said.  

 

“As both have clear bipartisan support, it should not pose a problem to get them passed through Parliament.