Media Release | 29 October 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Local Government
Shadow Minister for Local Government Kirrilee Warr MLA has slammed the Local Government Minister for disappointing comments toward the sector and has accused the Cook Labor Government of not listening to councils on the matters that are the most important to them.
Ms Warr said discussions with a number of local government representatives has them concerned about their future.
“Time and time again, we see the Cook Labor Government propose policy that tinkers around the edges of the issues, citing sustainability and participation, instead of addressing them directly,” she said.
“For years there has been a top-down approach when it comes to local government, instead of collaboration to narrow in on the problems facing the sector.
“The Minister must address what problem the State Government is trying to solve through these reforms.”
Ms Warr said while sustainability was a concern, the added responsibilities beyond roads, rates, and rubbish were not being addressed.
“Local governments in WA are being asked to do more with less, particularly in regional WA,” she said.
“Matters that should be handled by higher levels of government, such as housing, health, aged care and child care, get dumped onto local governments who find and fund a solution for their communities.
“Ultimately it’s the ratepayers who end up paying the price, and it impacts the council’s ability to deliver other important services.”
Ms Warr called for the State Government to work with the sector to address these concerns.
“The majority of local governments in Western Australia are doing good things for their communities.
“Local governments are asking for support to deliver their services, and the Minister needs to be receptive of these concerns,” she said.
“We need a reset, and that occurs when the State Government works with local governments to determine solutions that reflect WA’s diverse communities.”
It comes following the City of South Perth’s chief executive’s decision to step down, citing dysfunction.
Ms Warr called for the Local Government Minister to intervene, given the Inspector’s office had previously intervened, at the expense of ratepayers.
ENDS
