Cat Amendment Local Law 2026

The City is proposing the amendments to address matters raised by the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation following its review of the City of Melville Cat Local Law 2025.

The Committee identified provisions that may not align with legislative requirements, including a clause considered to reverse the onus of proof. Amendments are required to ensure the local law complies with the Local Government Act 1995 and maintains appropriate legal standards.

The proposed Cat Amendment Local Law 2026 includes the following changes to the City of Melville Cat Local Law 2025:

• Removal of clause 4.6 (Defences)
   This clause will be deleted in full.
• Amendment to subclause 3.7(5)
   Minor wording changes to ensure the provision aligns with legislative requirements.
• Amendment to Schedule 1 (Item 2)
   Updates to improve clarity and consistency within the local law.

These changes are required to address matters raised by the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 1995.

City of Melville Council is the final decision maker.

The best submissions are specific and provide feedback on specific clauses in the proposed local law, as opposed to making general comments about the topic of the local law. 
 
 To help ensure we can properly understand and properly consider your feedback, please: 

• Identify which Part or Clause your feedback is about; 
• clearly explain why you are supportive, or not supportive, of that particular Part or Clause; and 
• if you are proposing changes to a Part or Clause, clearly explain the rationale behind the proposed changes and how it will contribute to the purpose and effect of the local law. 

Please be aware that a local law cannot be inconsistent with the Local Government Act 1995 or any subsidiary regulations, nor can it be inconsistent with any other written law, and any submissions which would result in inconsistencies cannot be considered. Additionally, submissions must relate to the proposed amendments and not the broader Local Law. 

The Local Government Act 1995 establishes the procedure for making local laws. The procedure requires the local government to give local public notice inviting submissions from the public for a minimum period of six weeks. Following the notice period, any submissions received are presented to Council who may then, by Absolute Majority, consider formally making the local law.

We request basic details, such as your name or suburb, to help verify submissions, understand who has been reached, and improve future engagement. As part of the formal submission process, you will also be asked whether you consent to your name being included in the consultation report presented to Council.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with applicable Western Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA), and is used only to support engagement, analyse feedback and share relevant updates.

City of Melville Privacy Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024

Yes, submissions can be completed on their behalf, provided consent is given. Alternative ways to participate are always available through online, by phone, or in person, and the City of Melville can assist if required.

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