Bill to strengthen the future of local government introduced to Parliament

The Cook Labor Government has today introduced the Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 to Parliament, which will deliver significant benefits to councils, improve long-term financial sustainability and encourage greater voter participation.
  • The Cook Labor Government introduces Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 to Parliament
  • Bill proposes measures to support voluntary amalgamations and 'all-up' four-year election cycles to improve long-term sustainability, reduce voter fatigue and increase participation
  • Reforms include additional privacy measures and improvements to modernise local government administration

The Cook Labor Government has today introduced the Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 to Parliament, which will deliver significant benefits to councils, improve long-term financial sustainability and encourage greater voter participation.

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

  • 'all up' four‑year election cycles;
  • increasing opportunities to 'backfill' extraordinary vacancies with next in line candidates;
  • enabling local government boundary changes to support voluntary amalgamations;
  • accessible voting for people with a disability; and
  • reforms to modernise how local government is run.

The Bill proposes reducing the number of elections by introducing 'all up' four‑year election cycles from 2031, with all council members facing election at the same time.

It also proposes that extraordinary vacancies that arise on council may be filled by next in line candidates for up to three years following an election. This will significantly reduce the costs associated with elections and the burden on voters.

To encourage voter participation, the Bill will enable technology-assisted voting to help people with disability to vote.

The proposed reforms will make it easier for local governments to agree on voluntary amalgamations, by removing the 'Dadour' poll provision.

The Bill will also modernise legislation to improve efficiency, service delivery and protect the privacy of electors, candidates, council members and employees.

Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:

"This is an important step towards delivering long term change, making our local governments more sustainable and effective long into the future.

"There is no one-size-fits-all model for local governments in Western Australia, and while amalgamation may not be the right solution for all, this Bill makes it achievable for those areas it would benefit.

"This is about ensuring all residents and rate-payers in Western Australia have a stable and effective Local Government to deliver critical local services and functions.

"These reforms are part of the biggest suite of changes to the sector in more than 25 years, with important improvements including the creation of the office of the Local Government Inspector and the reintroduction of preferential voting in local government already in effect."