Local governments across WA have “ground to a halt”, according to City of Canning mayor Patrick Hall, because of new caretaker provisions ahead of elections next month.

Mr Hall addressed the public directly at a council meeting last week, including those watching online, to explain the “light agenda” facing the council that night as well as an “eight-minute meeting” the week before.

He blamed caretaker provisions introduced by the State Government last year which came into effect for the first time at this year’s elections. They prohibit councils from doing “significant acts” from the close of nominations for candidates until after the election.

Mr Hall then proceeded to rattle off a long list of decision-making the council was prohibited from engaging in, including making local laws; e

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