WA Parliament Passes Key Laws: Land Tax, Local Gov, Public Sector & Pilbara Ports Under New Rules
Royal Assent was granted on June 25, 2026, to four significant pieces of legislation, marking a busy legislative period for the Cook Labor Government.
What happened
The Western Australian Parliament has seen the assent of the Land Tax Assessment Amendment Act 2026, the Local Government Amendment Act 2026, the Public Sector Management Amendment Act 2026, and the Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Repeal Act 2026. These Acts, assented to by Governor Chris Dawson AC APM, introduce substantial changes across different government functions and commercial activities. The Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Repeal Act 2026, in particular, signals a reversal or significant alteration of previous government intentions regarding the sale of key port infrastructure in the resource-rich region.
What this means for you
Property developers and landowners should scrutinise the Land Tax Assessment Amendment Act 2026 for any shifts in their tax liabilities. Local governments, such as the Shire of Denmark, will need to adapt to new rating frameworks outlined in the Local Government Amendment Act 2026, potentially impacting their revenue streams and how they levy charges, as seen with the determination of Gross Rental Value for specific lots. Public sector employees and agencies are subject to new management protocols under the Public Sector Management Amendment Act 2026. Businesses operating in or investing in the Pilbara region, particularly those with interests in port infrastructure, must understand the implications of the Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Repeal Act 2026, which could alter the ownership and operational landscape of critical assets.
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What this means for WA
This legislative package demonstrates the Cook Government's proactive approach to policy reform, touching on fiscal management, public administration, and strategic asset control. The repeal of legislation concerning Pilbara port asset disposal suggests a potential re-evaluation of state-owned infrastructure strategy, possibly prioritising state control or a different divestment model. The amendments to land tax and local government rating point towards ongoing efforts to balance revenue generation with economic development and community service provision. This signals a government keen on asserting its policy direction across multiple fronts.
The numbers
On June 25, 2026, four key Acts received Royal Assent: the Land Tax Assessment Amendment Act 2026, the Local Government Amendment Act 2026, the Public Sector Management Amendment Act 2026, and the Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Repeal Act 2026. This legislative flurry follows a period of parliamentary debate and scrutiny. For instance, the Shire of Denmark has already determined the Basis of Rates using Gross Rental Value for Lot 121, as noted in a recent gazette notice. This highlights the ongoing operational impact of local government rating laws. The Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Repeal Act 2026 specifically undoes prior legislative intent, signalling a significant policy pivot. For a deeper dive into these legislative changes, refer to the Gazette notice detailing Royal Assent.
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