Can the City of Perth fine an employer for workplace bylaw breaches?

The City can issue infringement notices or orders under its local laws; specific fine amounts are published in the City’s infringement schedules or local law documents as linked on the City website.

How do I report a suspected workplace breach?

Report suspected breaches to City of Perth Compliance and Enforcement via the City’s contact or report-a-problem pages; the City will review and may inspect the site.

Where do I find forms to pay or dispute a notice?

Payment and dispute instructions are provided with the infringement notice and on the City of Perth website; if no form is attached the City’s infringement page explains the required steps.

Perth Council Penalties for Workplace Bylaw Breaches

Labor and Employment Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Perth, Western Australia businesses and employers must comply with City of Perth local laws and regulations that affect workplace activities, permits, building work, signage and public-space operations. Local laws are published by the City of Perth and set the framework for compliance, inspections and penalties for breaches ^[1]. This guide explains how the council enforces those rules, typical breaches seen in workplaces, how to respond, and where to find official contacts and forms.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth enforces its local laws through its Compliance and Enforcement team. Specific infringement notice amounts, scales for first or repeat offences, and continuing-offence fines are set out in the City’s infringement schedules or the relevant local law instruments; where a page does not list an amount this guide notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page ^[2].

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; amounts appear in the City’s infringement notice schedules when published.
Escalation: first, repeat and continuing-offence treatment is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy, removal of unauthorised works, seizure or removal of items, and court action may be used (specific powers depend on the local law).
Enforcer: City of Perth Compliance and Enforcement team; complaints and reports accepted through the City of Perth contact pages ^[2].
Appeal/review: specific appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; follow the payment and dispute information on the infringement or local law page.
Defences and discretion: any discretion, permitted variations or defences are set out in the particular local law or infringement notice wording; not specified on the cited page.

If a notice is issued act quickly to pay or lodge the formal dispute within the time stated on the notice.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes local laws and information about compliance and infringement notices online; specific application names, form numbers and fees for workplace-related approvals are either linked from the City pages or not specified on the cited pages.

Some enforcement outcomes require you to apply for remedial permits or lodge formal appeals through the process described on the City website.

Common workplace bylaw violations

Unauthorised building or verge works without permit.
Obstructions, advertising signs or structures on public land without approval.
Parks or footpath trading, temporary structures or street-trading without a licence.
Construction-related non-compliance with local approvals or hours of work.

Action steps

Identify the exact local law or notice referenced on any infringement.
Contact City of Perth Compliance and Enforcement promptly to request clarification or lodge a dispute.
Pay or appeal within the time stated on the infringement notice to avoid escalation.
Gather evidence (photos, permits, correspondence) if you plan to contest a notice.

FAQ

Can the City of Perth fine an employer for workplace bylaw breaches?: The City can issue infringement notices or orders under its local laws; specific fine amounts are published in the City’s infringement schedules or local law documents as linked on the City website.
How do I report a suspected workplace breach?: Report suspected breaches to City of Perth Compliance and Enforcement via the City’s contact or report-a-problem pages; the City will review and may inspect the site.
Where do I find forms to pay or dispute a notice?: Payment and dispute instructions are provided with the infringement notice and on the City of Perth website; if no form is attached the City’s infringement page explains the required steps.

How-To

Check the infringement or notice for the exact local law reference and deadline.
Contact City of Perth Compliance and Enforcement to confirm details and request inspection notes if needed.
Decide to pay, negotiate a remedial plan, or lodge a formal dispute within the stated timeframe.
If necessary, seek independent legal advice or contact the appropriate state review body indicated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

City of Perth local laws set enforcement and infringement notice processes; consult the City pages first.
Act promptly on notices: contact compliance, pay, or lodge a dispute within the notice timeframes.