Shadow Minister for Local Government, Kirrilee Warr MLA, has acknowledged the Government’s plan to introduce a bill in 2026 to amend the Cat Act during debate on a disallowance in the Legislative Council on Tuesday evening, but warns that after eight years of inaction, local governments and communities should not be asked to wait any longer for real reform.
The announcement follows discussions with the Minister’s office on Friday about prioritising the review of the Cat Act.
Years of mounting pressure from the sector, including the WA Feral Cat Working Group, animal welfare organisations, wildlife protection groups, and two member-supported motions at the WALGA annual meeting, have demanded change.
The Opposition supported the disallowance of the City of Bayswater’s Keeping and Control of Cats Amendment Local Law 2024, given the legal issues surrounding its implementation, but also recognised the bigger issue with the Act.
Repeated disallowances in the Legislative Council have prevented local governments from progressing their laws, showing the Act is no longer fit for purpose.
The Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation has also recommended disallowance of the Shire of Pingelly’s local law, which is set to be considered in November, potentially leaving the council in limbo.
Ms Warr said the inconsistencies within the Act meant it was failing to perform as intended.
“This Government has continued to flip flop on local government matters, creating uncertainty instead of solutions,” she said.
“The Minister herself acknowledged at last year’s Local Government Conference that the Cat Act required amending, yet the Government has delayed action for years and is only acting now as an attempt to save face following negotiations on supporting the disallowance.
“This is the 27th time a local government’s attempt to implement cat containment laws has been blocked. Councils still lack the tools they need, including following the halting of the PETSWA portal. The law must be fixed so councils can act now, protect wildlife, and meet community expectations, not wait until 2026.”
Ms Warr acknowledged the continued advocacy of WALGA and the WA Feral Cat Working Group, saying their efforts had kept the issue on the agenda. “We look forward to working with all concerned to deliver meaningful reform, without further delay.”
Hon Rob Horstman MLC, Member for Western Australia who spoke to support the disallowance in the Legislative Council and has previously served as a Local Government Councillor said that fixes to the Cat Act 2011 were well overdue. “We need a Cat Act that is fit for purpose and enables Local Governments with the powers necessary to make decisions in the best interest of their communities.
“This being the 27th disallowance of its type, the Government must stop ignoring the problem and hiding behind the Joint Standing Committee to poorly enforce their legislation.” Mr Horstman said.
