Media Release | 23 May 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Local Government
Shadow Minister for Local Government Kirrilee Warr MLA says the Cook Labor Government has further signalled its intention to embark on a program of council amalgamations.
It comes after two WA Labor Ministers put amalgamations back on the State Government agenda, with one calling for the City of Perth and the City of Vincent to combine.
The Local Government Minister revealed during Budget Estimates on Thursday that an amalgamation involving the City of Perth would require legislative change.
“This comes without any consultation with the community,” Ms Warr said.
“Consultation with the sector is paramount to any discussion around amalgamation, yet the Cook Labor Government continues to persist with this top-down approach and policy without a plan.
“Rather than working with local governments to find solutions, Labor has now put amalgamations firmly on the table after dancing around the issue for the best part of a year.
“Why didn’t the Minister come clean with the sector and the people of WA if this has been the Government’s intention all along?”
“Merging a functional council with one that has issues isn’t necessarily going to solve dysfunction, so what is the Government’s plan?”
Ms Warr slammed the Labor’s attitude towards local governments, saying it contributed to sector-wide confusion.
“The statements and media releases from the State Government, which lack detail, have created confusion and anxiety across the local government sector,” she said.
“We are seeing heavy-handed decisions and ongoing threats to reduce elected member numbers, despite reforms to councillor numbers already being implemented in recent years under the guise of reform.”
Ms Warr said local governments deserved respect and should not be treated as a “dumping ground” for State Government responsibilities.
“The Opposition will continue standing with local governments to ensure they are respected, consulted and supported,” she said.
ENDS
