David Templeman looks to ‘agile’ local government in overhaul

They may be famous as the managers of roads and rubbish, but local governments have an ever expanding influence over residents and ratepayers and Mr Templeman said he ordered the review to “reduce red tape, modernise local governments and deliver for communities”.

First to go under the microscope will be the level of community participation in local government elections, online reporting by councils and gift disclosures.

“The 1995 [local government] act provides for the system of local government in Western Australia, but it has not kept up with changes in technology or, more importantly, with community expectations,” Mr Templeman said.

“WA communities expect their local governments to be both efficient and effective, and strengthen and support local democracy.

“This review, which is the first major review since the act was introduced more than 20 years ago, will make local government more agile, smart and inclusive.

“It will provide a contemporary legislative framework to enable local governments to deliver quality services and good governance for all of WA’s communities.”

Local authorities enact a complex set of rules and bylaws governing everything from town planning to business, they manage major projects and the doling out of funding to non-profits.

Mr Templeman said local governments, residents, business people and workers would be invited to participate when a discussion paper is released later in 2017.

A second phase of the review, set to take place in 2018, would look at increasing community participation in local government decision-making, improving behaviour on councils and improving financial management.

The review would be supported by a reference group from the Western Australian Local Government Association, Local Government Professionals Australia WA, Western Australian Electoral Commission, Western Australian Council of Social Service and Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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