The McGowan Government will today introduce legislation to support local governments as they respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The impacts of the current State of Emergency continue to be felt across all levels of government, businesses and communities.
The Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Bill 2020 amends the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) in two key areas:
- modifications or suspension of legislative provisions; and
- local government local laws.
To assist local governments as they respond to the coronavirus outbreak, the changes will allow parts of the Act to be modified or suspended during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
This will ensure that action can be taken in the event of it being identified that a local government’s ability to respond to the emergency is being impeded, or the health of the community is potentially being put at risk.
The amendments will also enable a local government to temporarily suspend all or some of a local law by council decision.
Under this change, local governments would have the power to remove restrictions and reduce red tape in order to support businesses and households during the current pandemic and consequent recovery.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
“The State and Federal governments are doing everything they can to take decisive action to support individuals, households and businesses during this difficult period. It’s important that local governments are able to do the same for their communities.
“Many local governments are being innovative and proactive in responding to business and community needs.
“It’s vital that local governments are empowered to provide appropriate responses during this State of Emergency.
“These changes will remove barriers and further encourage agile responses.”
