Next phase of local government reforms to reduce voter fatigue

The WA Government has announced new reforms to strengthen long-term financial sustainability and effectiveness of the local government sector.

Changes include amendments to the Local Government Act 1995 and repeal of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 to:

• introduce 'all up' four‑year election cycles from 2031;
• remove barriers to voluntary local government boundary changes and amalgamations;
• increase opportunities to 'backfill' extraordinary vacancies with next in line candidates; and
• modernise how local government is run.

Overall voter turnout in local government elections is generally low, with participation in the 2025 Local Government elections at only 29.6 per cent and down from 31.2 per cent in 2023.

A significant factor in low voter participation is the current two-year election cycle and only being able to vote on half of the councillor positions. The double up on State Elections every four years is also a complicating factor.

The proposed amendments include introducing 'all up' four‑year local government election cycles from October 2031 with the Western Australian Electoral Commission conducting all polls.

Changes will also be made to improve privacy protections for electors, candidates, council members and employees. This includes the ability to use a PO Box instead of a home address on printed material.

The WA Government will also introduce changes allowing technology-assistance to help people with disability to vote.

These changes are targeted at reducing voter fatigue, improving democratic participation, and minimising costs.

The WA Government will also remove the 'Dadour poll' provision - which can effectively allow a minority of electors to undermine amalgamation proposals - to facilitate voluntary amalgamations between local governments.

The number and boundaries of local governments in WA have remained largely unchanged since Federation.

Further reforms will modernise the legislation to improve governance and service delivery, financial management and privacy protections for electors, candidates, council members and employees.

These reforms build on previous local government reforms that have seen the largest changes to local government in 25 years.

Previous reforms include the creation of the office of the Local Government Inspector, the reintroduction of preferential voting in local government and the implementation of standards for the employment of CEOs.

The next phase of local government reforms is expected to be introduced into Parliament this year.