Local Laws

The Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) enables Western Australian local governments to make local laws considered necessary for the good government of their districts. Laws can only be made when authorised by the Act or other written laws but cannot be inconsistent with any State or federal law. The types of laws made by local governments cover areas such as car parking, activities on thoroughfares, public places and council and committee meetings. Other accountability mechanisms impacting on local laws are:

• The local community, which under the Act is required to be consulted on proposed local laws.
• The Minister for Local Government, who is charged with administering the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), which monitors local law making.
• The power of the Minister to request the Governor to make local laws that repeal or amend local laws or prevent certain local laws being made.
• The courts, which can pronounce on the validity of local laws

For further information regarding the Local Law process visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website here