Can the City of Perth ban conversion practices?

The City can use local powers, policy and complaints processes, but a specific municipal ban on conversion practices is not published on the cited City page; state law may also apply.

How do I report an incident?

Collect evidence and submit a complaint through the City of Perth contact and complaints channel; escalate to state regulators or police where appropriate.

Are there official forms or fees?

No dedicated form or fee for reporting conversion practices is published on the cited City page; normal complaint channels are used.

Perth council rules on conversion practices

Civil Rights and Equity Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

Introduction

This guide explains how the City of Perth and local council processes in Perth, Western Australia address conversion practices and related complaints. It summarises available official information, enforcement pathways, typical outcomes where published, and practical steps for residents and service providers. Where a specific bylaw or fine for "conversion practices" is not published by the City, this guide identifies the closest official instruments and contact points, and notes when details are not specified on the cited official page.

Local council pages may not list a dedicated bylaw for conversion practices.

Scope and legal basis

Council jurisdiction covers municipal bylaws, community safety, licensing and local programs; state law may also apply. If no City of Perth bylaw specifically addresses conversion practices, enforcement may rely on broader equal-opportunity, health, licensing or nuisance powers under local instruments or state law. For specific council policies and documents, consult the City of Perth policy library.

Penalties & Enforcement

Summary of enforcement positions based on available City of Perth publications and contact pathways.

Fines: not specified on the cited page^[1].
Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease conduct, compliance notices or referral to state authorities or courts may be used; exact measures not specified on the cited page.
Enforcer: City of Perth governance or by-law enforcement teams and delegated officers; state agencies may intervene where health, child protection or anti-discrimination law applies.
Reporting and inspection: complaints are accepted via City of Perth contact and complaint channels; official contact details are provided on the City website^[1].
Appeal and review: appeal routes typically follow council review procedures or judicial review in courts; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Defences and discretion: officers generally have discretion for compliant outcomes, and defences such as reasonable excuse or authorised clinical practice may apply; not specified in detail on the cited page.

If you need a legal remedy, seek advice early because appeal windows can be short.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated City of Perth form for reporting conversion practices is published on the cited page; complaints are usually submitted via the general contact/complaints process or by referral to the relevant state agency.^[1]

Common violations and typical outcomes

Providing or advertising coercive or deceptive counselling presented as conversion therapy - outcome: investigation and referral; specific penalties not specified on the cited page.
Use of council-licensed premises for prohibited practices - outcome: licence review or suspension; details not specified on the cited page.
Failure to comply with a council compliance notice - outcome: enforcement action; monetary or court action not specified on the cited page.

Action steps

Document: collect dates, locations, participant names and any advertising or communications.
Report: submit a complaint to the City of Perth via the official contact/complaints channel and request escalation if needed.^[1]
Refer: if the issue raises criminal, child safety or health concerns, contact police or the appropriate state regulator.

Keep clear written records and copies of any materials when making a complaint.

FAQ

Can the City of Perth ban conversion practices?: The City can use local powers, policy and complaints processes, but a specific municipal ban on conversion practices is not published on the cited City page; state law may also apply.
How do I report an incident?: Collect evidence and submit a complaint through the City of Perth contact and complaints channel; escalate to state regulators or police where appropriate.^[1]
Are there official forms or fees?: No dedicated form or fee for reporting conversion practices is published on the cited City page; normal complaint channels are used.

How-To

Gather evidence: dates, times, names, messages, advertising and any witness details.
Check urgency: if there is immediate risk to safety, contact police.
Submit a complaint: use the City of Perth contact/complaints channel and include all evidence.
Request follow-up: ask for the complaint to be escalated to governance or by-law enforcement and note any reference number provided.
Consider state referral: if the issue involves potential criminal conduct, child safety or health regulation, contact the relevant state agency.

Key Takeaways

The City of Perth offers complaint and governance channels but does not publish a specific conversion-practices bylaw on the cited page.
Document incidents carefully and use the official complaint process to prompt investigation.
State regulators or courts may be required for statutory bans or criminal matters.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Perth contact and complaints page