Perth Council AI Bias Audit Requests - Bylaws

Technology and Data Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Introduction

This guide explains how to submit an AI bias audit request for council-owned or council-operated decision tools in Perth, Western Australia. It summarises who to contact at the City of Perth, what official instruments might apply, likely enforcement pathways, and practical steps to request an audit or raise a compliance concern. Because explicit provisions for AI audits are not yet standard in local laws, readers should use the governance and privacy complaint channels and reference applicable local laws and the Local Government Act when seeking review.[1][2]

Submit requests in writing and save delivery receipts.

Scope and applicable instruments

Council tools that may be subject to an AI bias audit include automated decision systems used in service eligibility, automated enforcement, or automated customer assessment. Relevant legal instruments for local governance and enforcement include City of Perth local laws and the Western Australian Local Government Act 1995; however, specific AI or algorithm audit requirements are not generally detailed in those instruments and may be handled under governance, privacy and procurement policies.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no specific City of Perth bylaw text on mandatory AI bias audits located on the cited local laws page; fine amounts and specific sanctions for failures to produce an audit are therefore not set out on that page and are not specified on the cited pages. Where non-compliance with an existing local law or the Local Government Act is alleged, standard enforcement mechanisms for local laws and statutory obligations apply.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for AI audits; refer to the relevant local law or the Local Government Act for standard penalty ranges.[1][2]
  • Non-monetary orders: orders to comply, removal or disabling of offending tools, or injunctions via court processes may be used where a statutory breach is established; specific orders for AI audits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, notice to comply; repeat or continuing offences may attract further enforcement or prosecution—detailed escalation steps are not specified on the cited local laws page.
  • Enforcer and contact: typically the City of Perth governance, compliance or by-law enforcement teams coordinate responses; use the City contact and complaints channels to lodge a request or report.[1]
  • Appeals and review: avenues depend on the instrument creating the obligation; time limits for appeal or review are not specified on the cited local laws page and may be governed by the Local Government Act or other statutory instruments.[2]
If the council tool affects privacy or human rights, raise the issue via the council privacy complaint process and the WA Ombudsman if unresolved.

Applications & Forms

No City of Perth form specifically titled for "AI bias audit request" is published on the cited local laws page; submit requests via the official complaints/contact channels or as a formal written request to the relevant department. Fees, formal application numbers, or dedicated submission forms for AI audits are not specified on the cited pages.

How to prepare an AI bias audit request

Prepare a clear written request describing the council tool, the decision process affected, dates, sample outputs or examples of suspected bias, and the outcome you seek. Include any supporting documents and your contact details. Where privacy or access to information is required, reference the council privacy policy or freedom of information procedures.

  • Document the tool: name, function, affected services, and where it is used.
  • Collect evidence: examples of outcomes, affected individuals, and timestamps.
  • Contact the council: lodge via the official complaints or contact page and request a formal response.
  • Request timeframe: ask for an expected response date and keep copies of all correspondence.
Label evidence clearly and state whether you request an internal audit, an external independent audit, or both.

Action steps

  1. Draft a written request detailing the issue and desired remedy.
  2. Submit via the City of Perth contact or complaints channel; keep proof of submission.
  3. Ask for the file reference, responsible officer and an estimated response date.
  4. If unsatisfied, seek review through the Local Government Act review pathways or external oversight bodies such as the WA Ombudsman.

FAQ

Who handles AI or algorithm complaints at the City of Perth?
The City of Perth governance or compliance team and the complaints unit handle requests; use the official contact channels to lodge a request. For broader statutory matters, the Local Government Act may apply.
Is there an official form to request an AI bias audit?
No dedicated form for AI bias audits is published on the cited City of Perth local laws page; submit a written complaint or request through the council contact channels.
Can I request an independent external audit?
Yes, you may request an independent audit; the council may accept, commission, or refuse such a request depending on governance rules and procurement processes, which are not specified on the cited local laws page.

How-To

  1. Identify the tool and collect clear examples of biased outcomes.
  2. Contact the City of Perth via the official complaints/contact page with your written request and evidence.
  3. Request a formal acknowledgement, file number and expected response timeframe.
  4. Follow up in writing if you do not receive a timely response; ask whether an internal review or external audit is available.
  5. If unresolved, escalate to the WA Ombudsman or relevant statutory review mechanism.

Key Takeaways

  • There is no published City of Perth form specifically for AI bias audits on the cited local laws page.
  • Use the City of Perth complaints/contact channels to lodge requests and retain proof of submission.
  • Appeals or external review routes may be governed by the Local Government Act or oversight bodies such as the WA Ombudsman.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Local laws
  2. [2] Local Government Act 1995 (Western Australia)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data