WA Document Execution and Delegation Powers for the Public Works Minister

Public Works Amendment (Delegations) Bill 2025

17 Mar 2026: This bill has passed its first house and is now before the second house for its own debate.

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

Share this bill

Email Facebook X Bluesky

Topics

delegation of power document execution government administration public service water services

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The Public Works Minister can sign documents or use a common seal to execute them.
The Public Works Minister can authorise other ministers or specific people to sign deeds and documents in writing.
The Public Works Minister can delegate duties to public servants, government-owned enterprises, or other ministers.
Most delegates cannot pass their powers on to someone else; only a delegate who is another minister can subdelegate.
Government delegates can sign contracts, leases, and licences in the Public Works Minister's name.
Documents signed by government delegates are not deeds unless they are formally executed as deeds.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Dr Katrina Stratton ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to introduce this bill, which proposes minor amendments to the Public Works Act 1902. These amendments will simplify and modernise its operation, bringing with it administrative efficiencies and benefits.”

Official source →

John Carey ALP

“I move: That the bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to introduce this bill, which proposes minor amendments to the Public Works Act 1902 and will simplify and modernise its operation, bringing with it administrative efficiencies and benefits.”

Official source →