This resource will:

• Support Local Governments to build capacity and capability to engage with local Aboriginal communities to support reconciliation and involvement in local government decision making processes;
• Highlight best practice examples of reconciliation and Aboriginal engagement by WA local governments;
• Support local governments to understand and meet legislative, regulatory and policy requirements with respect to Aboriginal heritage and native title;
• Provide advice and guidance to local governments with respect to the various matters on which they engage with Aboriginal communities, including but not limited to reconciliation, cultural protocols, Aboriginal heritage, native title, Aboriginal governance structures, and Aboriginal employment and procurement.

By doing so, this resource assists Local Governments in fulfilling Section 3.1 of the Local Government Act 1995 which states the following:

3.1. General function
(1) The general function of a local government is to provide for the good government of persons in its district.
(1A) Without limiting subsection (1), the general function of a local government must be performed having regard to the following
— (a) the need —
(i) to promote the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the district; and
(ii) to plan for, and to plan for mitigating, risks associated with climate change; and
(iii) in making decisions, to consider potential long-term consequences and impacts on future generations;

(b) the need —
(i) to recognise the particular interests of Aboriginal people; and
(ii) to involve Aboriginal people in decision-making processes;

(c) the need to consider collaboration with other local governments.

This collaboration reflects the WA State Government’s commitment to advancing the reconciliation movement and WALGA’s support for Local Governments and the communities they serve, with Reconciliation WA’s leadership and advocacy as the movement’s State peak body.