Stories

Western Australia's local governments are set to navigate a clearer landscape for mining licence ratings, with a new Act extinguishing past liabilities and clarifying future assessments. This legislative shift aims to resolve long-standing ambiguities and provide certainty for both councils and licence holders.

Western Australian opposition members are firing off a barrage of questions across critical portfolios, from student safety protocols and child protection measures to the transparency of major infrastructure projects and environmental management practices. The Cook Government faces mounting pressure to provide detailed answers.

Get ready for a privacy shake-up in Western Australia. From July 1, 2026, public entities will navigate a new landscape of data handling and information sharing, with specific impacts on community policing functions.

Boaters looking to visit Rottnest Island’s iconic Thomson Bay will face a lengthy closure, with the Rottnest Island Authority implementing a significant marine logistics hub construction project. The bay will be off-limits to recreational and commercial boating from June 15, 2026, until November 30, 2027.

The Cook Labor Government has cemented a new operational agreement for The Griffin Coal Mining Company Pty Limited through the Collie Coal (Griffin) Agreement Amendment Act 2026. This legislation, assented to on June 18, 2026, formally ratifies a variation agreement struck this year, signalling a potential shift in the Collie region's coal landscape.

The WA Government has overhauled health service fees, ditching references to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) pricing and introducing new maximum charges for out-patient services and medicines. This regulatory shift, detailed in the Health Services (Fees and Charges) Amendment Order 2026, signals a new era for patient billing and service provider revenue.

The WA Government has quietly updated fee structures for health services, a move set to alter patient out-of-pocket expenses and potentially reshape revenue for healthcare providers. The Health Services (Fees and Charges) Amendment Order 2026, gazetted on June 19, 2026, signals a shift in how public health services are billed.

A damning report from the Auditor General has revealed a significant lack of progress in Western Australia's youth mental health reforms, with just one out of 32 recommendations implemented. Opposition members are now questioning the government's commitment and effectiveness in addressing a critical service gap.

Opposition members are raising serious questions about the Cook Labor Government's financial accountability, scrutinising transparency around major events, housing project delivery, and departmental contracts. Demands are mounting for detailed breakdowns of public money spent and clear justifications for expenditures.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking vital public feedback on a new draft policy aimed at safeguarding the habitat of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise. This initiative represents a crucial step in the ongoing conservation efforts for this unique Western Australian reptile.

Western Australia has officially aligned its state laws with the federal Poisons Standard. This move, enacted through the Therapeutic Goods Law Application Act 2024, standardises the regulation of medicines and poisons across the state, impacting consumers, health professionals, and industry.

The Western Australian Government has initiated a review of the Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2011. This policy is crucial for the survival of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, and its review raises questions about future conservation efforts.

The Western Australian Government has enacted a series of regulatory updates affecting fees and charges across several key sectors. These changes also introduce amendments to state superannuation rules and emergency powers concerning fuel and energy resources.

The Western Australian Government is taking a firm stance on resource exploration licence management, issuing a series of notices of intention to forfeit licences alongside approvals for others to maintain retention status. This dual approach signals a more active oversight of the sector.

Public sector employees in Western Australia may soon be offered voluntary severance packages. The Cook Government has approved a targeted separation scheme, allowing employing authorities to offer voluntary exits to eligible staff.

The WA government has deferred the review of the Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2011 for another eight months. This decision raises concerns about the long-term protection of this critically endangered species.

Sweeping legislative changes are being implemented across multiple sectors in Western Australia. The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 triggers updates impacting training levies, environmental protections, emergency services, gas quality, procurement, taxation, and maritime regulations related to petroleum, geothermal energy, and greenhouse gas activities.

The Environmental Protection Authority has deferred the review of the Environmental Protection (Western Swamp Tortoise Habitat) Policy 2011 until November 2026. This delay raises concerns about the ongoing protection of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise.

Several WA councils, including Wanneroo and Serpentine Jarrahdale, are reaffirming their use of Gross Rental Value (GRV) for calculating rates. This decision could have significant implications for property owners in these areas.

The WA Magistrates Court has updated its civil procedure rules to accommodate Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders. This change streamlines the enforcement of these orders across jurisdictions.

The Cook Labor Government has introduced tougher regulations for Western Australia's fuel and energy sector. The changes include modifications to penalties and new powers for investigations and prosecutions.

The WA Government has officially abolished the Marbellup Brook Catchment Area. This decision, made under the Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947, could reshape water management strategies and impact the local ecosystem.

Investigation reports are being prepared concerning Alcoa's alleged breaches related to native flora. The scrutiny raises environmental concerns and could impact the company's operations in Western Australia.

Several mining companies and individuals are at risk of losing their prospecting licenses in Western Australia. The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration has announced potential forfeiture due to non-payment of rent.

New regulations in Western Australia update the Road Traffic Code 2000 to include electric rideable devices. These changes clarify rules around signals, roundabout usage, and speed limits, impacting how riders navigate public spaces.

Several Western Australian councils are adjusting their planning schemes and rating systems, potentially leading to significant changes for property owners and residents. These revisions in Busselton, Cockburn, and Swan could affect property values and local development.

The City of Busselton is the latest WA council to update its planning scheme, targeting short-term rental accommodations. This move reflects a growing trend across the state to regulate platforms like Airbnb.

Several WA councils are shifting to Gross Rental Value (GRV) for calculating rates, potentially altering costs for homeowners. Wanneroo, Armadale, and Chittering are among the councils making this change, effective April 2026.

Western Australia has adopted a federal amendment concerning the scarcity of Clonidine, a crucial medication for individuals managing ADHD and high blood pressure. This decision aims to mitigate the impact of the shortage on WA patients.

The Cook Labor government is facing questions about spending habits, ranging from Department of Health expenses to environmental concerns. Teacher resignations in regional areas are also under the spotlight.

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has reaffirmed its use of Gross Rental Value (GRV) for calculating rates, effective April 16, 2026. This decision directly impacts property owners in the shire, influencing their rates and potentially affecting property values.

A series of recent Questions on Notice in the WA Parliament highlight increasing scrutiny of the Cook Government's housing policies. Concerns are focused on the rise of high-density developments, the accuracy of housing demand modelling, and the overall allocation of housing expenditure.

The City of Wanneroo is cracking down on short-term rentals. New planning scheme amendments redefine accommodation and alter zoning permissibility.

The City of Wanneroo and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale are both amending their planning schemes. These changes aim to regulate short-term accommodation, mirroring increased scrutiny on Airbnb-style rentals across Western Australia.

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is updating its local planning scheme to address short-term accommodation. This move signals a proactive approach to regulating the growing Airbnb market in the region.

The Cook Labor Government is expanding the state's rail freight network, designating land corridors for future development. This move, authorised by the Minister for Transport, could significantly impact landowners and regional planning.

A recent update in the WA Government Gazette changed the address for the Midland Community Corrections Centre. This seemingly minor adjustment could indicate larger changes are on the horizon for the facility.

The WA government has significantly raised the threshold for the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund levy, potentially reshaping the financial landscape for numerous construction projects. This change, outlined in recent amendments, could have far-reaching consequences for industry training and project costs.

The City of Canning is amending its local planning scheme to address the growing prevalence of short-term rentals. This update will introduce new rules for Airbnb and tourist accommodations, impacting property owners and the local tourism sector.

The WA government is rolling out voluntary fisheries adjustment schemes for several Kimberley fisheries. These schemes aim to reduce fishing effort and ensure the long-term health of fish stocks.

Western Australia has declared a state of emergency due to potential fuel supply disruptions stemming from armed conflict in the Middle East. The declaration grants the Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation expansive powers to manage fuel resources and necessitates the recall of Parliament.

Recent amendments to Western Australia's workers compensation regulations have altered the landscape for health service providers and the process for WorkCover WA determinations. GovScanner analyses the key changes and their potential impact.

Several Western Australian councils are transitioning to Gross Rental Value (GRV) for property tax assessments. This shift could significantly impact ratepayers in Busselton, Kwinana, Chittering, and Swan.

The Shire of Gingin is set to implement stricter local laws impacting parking, off-road vehicle operation, and cat ownership. These changes suggest a proactive approach to local governance and community management.

New regulations allow the WA Police Commissioner to delegate the power to specify drug and alcohol sample collectors to Deputy or Assistant Commissioners. This change aims to streamline testing processes within the WA Police Force.

Western Australia has a new Chief Health Officer. Dr. Clare Huppatz steps into the role for a five-year term, marking a significant shift in the state's health leadership.

Western Australia has updated its regulations governing medical devices originating from foreign countries. The move comes via the adoption of the federal Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices—Foreign Countries) Determination 2026, ensuring alignment with national standards.

The City of Wanneroo is set to adopt Gross Rental Value (GRV) as the basis for property rates, potentially impacting homeowners and businesses. This change, outlined in recent WA Government Gazettes, could lead to significant shifts in how property taxes are calculated.

The final sections of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 are set to commence on 28 March 2026, completing the implementation of the Act. This milestone marks a significant update to rental laws in Western Australia, impacting both tenants and property owners.

The Cook Labor Government is rolling out the Firearms Act 2024, necessitating updates across several sectors. These changes ensure consistency and clarity in the application of firearm-related legislation.

Several Western Australian councils are transitioning to Gross Rental Value (GRV) for property tax assessments, a move that could significantly alter rates bills for homeowners and businesses. The changes, documented in recent WA Government Gazettes, affect both major metropolitan areas and regional centres.

Multiple Western Australian councils, including Wanneroo, Kwinana, Swan, and Serpentine Jarrahdale, are transitioning to Gross Rental Value (GRV) as the basis for calculating property rates. This shift could have significant financial implications for homeowners and businesses in these areas.

Sweeping changes to cat ownership are on the horizon in Western Australia. The state government is empowering local councils to impose restrictions like curfews and containment, potentially impacting pet owners and native wildlife.

Keeping up with regulatory changes in Western Australia can be a challenge. GovScanner provides timely alerts, helping you stay compliant and informed.

The WA government is facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of misconduct risks within the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC), as highlighted in a newly tabled inquiry response to the 'Going Rogue' report. Simultaneously, allegations of government corruption have been raised in parliament, adding to the pressure on Premier Roger Cook's government.

A WA parliamentary inquiry has uncovered alarming data regarding eRideable safety, prompting calls for national reform. The report highlights increasing injuries, fatalities, and the urgent need for improved regulation and public education.

Public holidays in Western Australia are more than just days off; they're crucial for businesses, employees, and the overall economic landscape. Understanding how these dates are officially announced and potentially altered is vital for effective planning and compliance.

WA local governments publish local laws, rates, health orders, and more through the Government Gazette. Here's what council officers and stakeholders need to know.

Missing a gazette notice can mean missed deadlines, compliance failures, and malpractice risk. Here's why WA law firms need automated gazette monitoring.

Mining tenement notices in the WA Gazette cover forfeitures, grants, exemptions, and more. Here's what mining companies and professionals need to monitor.

Planning scheme amendments in WA follow a formal gazettal process with strict comment periods. Here's what developers, planners, and lawyers need to monitor.

The WA Government Gazette is the official public record for Western Australian legislation, notices, and government decisions. Here's how to navigate it effectively.