McGowan proposes local government move

Labor Leader Mark McGowan has unveiled a plan to relocate the Department of Local Government, and its 103-strong staff, to Albany if Labor wins the next state election.

Mr McGowan said the move was a major commitment to “devolution and decentralisation”.

“It will be the first major move toward decentralisation since the former Labor Government established Horizon Power’s head office in Karratha.

“Labor believes in providing an economic base to regional communities and there are few better ways to do it than moving government departments to these areas.

“The Department is tasked with monitoring the activities of local governments and the vast majority of these are located in the country, so it is logical that it is moved.”

Mr McGowan said the rent and outgoings at the department’s existing William Street premises totalled around $1.57million per year until May 2025.

“We expect this move would save taxpayers money,” he said.

“It would be more cost effective to move other government agencies with expired leases from separate buildings into the William Street premises, as they are already fitted out for a government department.”