Local Councils Must Stick To Their Legal Duties; Councils Must Benefit Ratepayers; Services Must Be Efficient
Local Government (Role of Council) Amendment Bill 2026
Private Member's BillLegislative Council
House of Assembly
Assent
Introduced by: Carlos Quaremba MLC (PHON)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Local councils must not consider matters that fall outside their legal responsibilities.
Local councils can only promote the interests of the wider community if those interests relate to the council's legal responsibilities.
Local councils can only take part in community activities if they believe it will directly and tangibly benefit their ratepayers.
Local councils only need to follow certain planning objectives and strategies if they believe doing so will directly and tangibly benefit their ratepayers.
Local councils must ensure that the services they deliver are efficient and effective.
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Carlos Quaremba PHON
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This is a rare occasion. This bill will divide the house but I believe it will be loved by a lot of hardworking ratepayers. Why?”