PROPOSED reforms to local government elections will not be enacted in time for this year’s council polls, it has been announced today.
“These reforms will not apply to the October 2026 ordinary elections, with the election period commencing on 5 September 2026. The existing framework continues for these elections,” local government minister Kerry Vincent said.
“Due to the complexity of moving to a new electoral framework, these reforms will have a phased implementation across the next 18 months,” he said.
This week, two bills were introduced to the House of Assembly, which are key to supporting future local government elections. Mr Vincent said the Bills are a key component of the Government’s Local Government Priority Reform Program 2024 – 2026.
“These reforms will help deliver more flexible and accessible local government elections in the future, including better quality information for elections,” he said.
“They will include stronger electoral advertising and donation disclosure requirements as well as enhanced safeguards to support the integrity of local government elections.
“We are working hard to make sure any reforms will help deliver for our sector and we know how vital it is to get this right.
“The Local Government Electoral Bill 2026 is a new standalone Act, which will provide a contemporary and flexible framework for conducting local government elections.
“The second Bill is the Local Government Amendment (Electoral Reforms) Bill 2026 which will amend the Local Government Act 1993 to complement the broader electoral framework.”
