Local Government Minister David Templeman today announced the formation of an expert panel to progress the development of a new Local Government Act for Western Australia.
The Local Government Review Panel will consider and recommend high-level direction and guiding principles for the new Act.
The Panel will also continue to engage with the sector, community and stakeholders, and make recommendations on the requirements of a new Local Government Act to meet the future needs of local government.
The panel will be chaired by Balcatta MLA David Michael and joined by fellow panel members:
- Professor John Phillimore, Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy;
- Local government expert, A/Professor Graham Sansom of the University of Technology Sydney;
- Ms Anne Wood, Partner at Kott Gunning Lawyers, who specialises in local government law;
- Mr Henry Zelones, the former long-serving mayor of the City of Armadale; and
- Mr Duncan Ord OAM, Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The panel will look at best practice models in Australia and overseas as well as feedback from the recent consultation on WA's Local Government Act 1995.
Summaries of the findings of the extensive consultation are available at http://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/lgareview
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
"I welcome the appointment of the Local Government Review Panel and their extensive local government, community and public policy expertise.
"The panel's members will also draw on the extensive feedback from the diverse range of people and groups who contributed to the recent review of the Act by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
"More than 3,000 survey responses and written submissions were received from community members, ratepayer associations, industry groups, local governments, councillors, and peak bodies.
"The department also consulted with more than 100 organisations and community groups including multicultural groups, young people, Aboriginal groups and seniors.
"I wish to thank the community members, local governments and others who have supported the process to date, and whose input is helping transform local government in Western Australia."
Minister's office - 6552 5400
