Perth Local Laws: How Council Passes Ordinances
Perth, Western Australia local laws are made by the City of Perth under the framework of the Local Government Act 1995. The Act and the City’s published local law program explain who may propose a local law, how notices and submissions are handled, and where to inspect proposed text. For primary legal requirements consult the Local Government Act 1995 and the City of Perth local laws pages for published proposals and current consolidated local laws Local Government Act 1995[1] and City of Perth - Local Laws[2].
How a local law or public notice is passed
The usual sequence for the City of Perth is: proposal or review by officers or councillors; public notice and invitation for submissions; consideration of submissions by council; adoption by absolute or simple majority as required; and publication in the Government Gazette where applicable. Specific procedural steps and any required Ministerial approval are set out in the Local Government Act 1995 and the City’s local laws program City of Perth - Local Laws[2].
- Public notice of proposal and submission period (see City notice for dates).
- Consideration of submissions by council or delegated committee.
- Council decision to make, amend or repeal a local law; adoption recorded in minutes.
- Publication in the Government Gazette when required under the Act.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement and penalties depend on the specific local law adopted by the City of Perth. Monetary penalties, infringement notices and orders are set out in each local law or in the Local Government Act 1995 where the Act provides enforcement powers; amounts and escalation are generally specified per local law and are not uniformly listed on the City summary page City of Perth - Local Laws[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited City page; see the specific local law text or the Act for prescribed maximum penalties.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence provisions vary by local law and are not consolidated on the City summary page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: directions to remedy, abatement orders, seizure or removal of hazards, and prosecution in court where authorised.
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement officers or authorised City officers; complaints and inspection requests are handled by the City’s compliance team.
- Appeal/review: review and appeal routes are governed by the Local Government Act 1995 and other relevant statutes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited City page.
- Defences/discretion: many local laws allow defences such as "reasonable excuse" or permit/variance pathways; availability depends on the text of the local law.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes proposal documents and any submission forms or templates with a particular local law notice; in many cases no standard statewide form is required. Where a specific application or permit is needed it will be named on the City’s local law notice or relevant service page. If a form name or number is not shown on the City page, it is not specified on the cited page City of Perth - Local Laws[2].
Action steps
- Inspect the proposed local law and published explanatory materials on the City website.
- Note submission deadlines on the public notice and lodge written submissions as instructed.
- Contact the City’s By-law Enforcement or the officer listed in the notice for procedural questions.
- If fined, follow the penalty notice for payment, internal review request, or appeal instructions.
FAQ
- How long does it take to make a local law in Perth?
- The total time depends on consultation, council scheduling and any Ministerial approvals; specific statutory timelines are set out in the Local Government Act 1995 and specific City notices, but an exact uniform duration is not specified on the City summary page City of Perth - Local Laws[2].
- Can I object to a proposed local law?
- Yes. The City’s public notice will explain how to make a submission; submit in writing within the advertised period and follow any published directions on the notice.
- Who enforces local laws and how do I report a breach?
- By-law Enforcement officers or other authorised City officers enforce local laws; use the City’s compliance or complaints page to report breaches or request inspections.
How-To
- Find the proposed local law and notice on the City of Perth local laws page.
- Read the explanatory statement and identify any parts you wish to comment on.
- Prepare a written submission following the notice instructions and include your contact details.
- Submit before the deadline by the method stated in the notice (email or postal address).
- Attend any public hearing if the City schedules one or request to be heard in your submission.
- If the law is made and you seek review of a decision or penalty, follow the appeal or review procedures listed on the penalty notice and the Act.
Key Takeaways
- Local laws are made under the Local Government Act 1995 and by City of Perth processes.
- Public notice and a submission period are essential steps—check the City notice for exact dates.
- Enforcement, fines and appeals vary by local law; consult the enacted local law text for precise penalties.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth - Contact us
- City of Perth - Local Laws
- WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
- Local Government Act 1995 (WA)