To help reduce uncertainty and support consistent decision- making, we have prepared a practical FAQ guide for local governments, addressing both the impact of regulation 19D and clarifying protections for Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) members.
In practice, the changes introduced via regulation 19D are targeted. The FAQ explains that councils can generally still fund or ‘insure’ legal representation in many situations, depending on the circumstances. The key point is that each matter needs to be considered carefully against the legislative constraints.
The FAQ also clarifies that ARIC members are covered under the various liability protections when a claim or allegation is made against them because of an act, error, omission or decision made while performing their official functions.
Congratulations to the Shire of Kellerberrin on receiving the Tier 2 Diligence in Safety Award. CEO James Sheridan visited the Shire earlier this month to meet the team and present the award. The award recognises strong results through LGIS’s ‘3 Steps to Safety’ program.
From marquees, stages and sound systems to temporary fencing, generators, catering equipment and vehicles, third-party asset hire is a practical way to meet short-term needs without owning everything year-round.
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA) introduced a significant change to the assessment of psychological injury claims in Western Australia. While the Act retains a broad definition of injury, section seven contains a new exclusion for psychological and psychiatric disorders arising from ‘reasonable administrative action’ taken by an employer.
The guide explains the impact of the reforms in simple and concise language and clarifies where legislative limits may apply to the use of council resources (including insurance) in connection with specific legal matters.
For local governments, the overall focus remains the same: maintain strong governance foundations, reduce the likelihood of disputes escalating, and ensure decisions about indemnity and support are made transparently.
As part of implementation, relevant protection wordings have been updated to align with the statutory prohibitions arising from these reforms. These changes took effect from 30 June 2026 at 4pm WST. For more information, please contact your account manager.
This year marks the significant milestone of the 30th anniversary of LGIS. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the past three decades. Since our founding in 1995, LGIS has evolved from a practical response to emerging risks into a pioneering mutual scheme that proudly serves the diverse needs of Western Australia’s local governments.
Psychological injury doesn’t typically begin with a single moment; it builds when the day-to-day job keeps asking more than people can sustainably give. Local government managers will recognise the pressure their teams deal with, constant community visibility, competing priorities, and the expectation to stay responsive across hybrid teams.
Waste management operations are under sustained pressure, with members balancing service expectations and environmental outcomes against tightening budgets and regulatory environment.
