- Ratepayers and residents urged to vote in the upcoming local government elections
- More votes means better representation and stronger local democracy
- Campaign to increase voter turnout in groups with low levels of voter participation
A call out from the Cook Government today is urging ratepayers and residents to recognise the importance of local democracy by making voting a priority at the upcoming local government elections.
Local Government Minister David Michael emphasised the importance of lifting the current low level of voter participation in local elections, about 30 per cent turnout on average, to make results truly democratic, and ensure successful candidates are more representative of the communities they serve.
While voting is not compulsory, a higher participation is in the best interests of all Western Australians, so quality candidates are chosen to make the best decisions for people living in their area.
The Cook Government has partnered with the WA Local Government Association (WALGA), to create a community engagement campaign ‘Vote for them’ that emphasises the importance of local government in the day-to-day lives of Western Australians, and the importance for all residents and ratepayers to vote for their local council representatives.
The campaign aims to encourage members of groups with lower levels of voter participation, as well as the wider community, to participate in local government elections.
Local government reforms will be in place for the upcoming elections to strengthen local democracy, including the re-introduction of optional preferential voting to replace the current first-past-the-post system; direct election of mayors/presidents in larger councils; removal of wards for smaller local governments; and council numbers being aligned to the population of the district for more equitable and consistent representation.
Another significant electoral change now in place, involves new backfilling arrangements when vacancies occur within 12 months after an election, which will reduce the need for extraordinary elections, saving ratepayers money.
The Local Government Amendment Act 2023, which passed through Parliament in May 2023, will deliver a range of other major benefits after the 2023 elections, including preventing “sham” leases, setting state-wide caretaker periods during elections, mandating live-streaming or audio recording of council meetings, and a range of new transparency and accountability requirements, among others.
A second tranche of reforms, which will see the establishment of a Local Government Inspector, and the introduction of Local Government Monitors for early intervention, along with stronger penalties, is in the pipeline to go before Parliament.
Postal ballots for the local government elections will soon be sent out via post by the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC), and in-person voting will take place on Saturday, the 21st October 2023.
More information about the local government reforms is available on theDepartment of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ websiteand details of the ‘Vote for them’ campaign is availablehere.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Michael:
“Local governments play an important role in the lives of all residents and the wellbeing of businesses in WA, with councillors constantly making decisions on how ratepayers’ money should be spent, and what community projects are given the green light.
“Exercising your right to vote is crucial in determining who these decision-makers will be, and ensuring they are diligent representatives who make the right choices for you, and your community.
“This appeal is particularly directed to those groups who I believe, are under-represented in local government, such as Indigenous and multi-cultural communities. Council representation needs to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
“I urge everybody to stand up and have their voice heard, and cast a vote in the local government elections, by filling out and returning the postal ballots as soon as possible after receiving them, or by voting in-person on Saturday, 21 October 2023.
“Your vote is important to ensure your local shire or council has the best possible representatives that will have your best interests at heart.”
