Annual performance reporting for local government enforcement agencies

The Department of Health requires local government enforcement agencies to submit an annual report on their performance under the:

• Food Act 2008 (section 121) 
• Public Health Act 2016 (section 22).

Reports are mandatory and must be submitted each financial year between 1 July to 31 August.

These reports assist the CEO of the Department of Health and the Chief Health Officer to anticipate:

• issues associated with the administration of public health legislation
• gauge the level of consistency in which public health legislation is being administered across WA and
• identify knowledge gaps and areas for future policy development.

The Department of Health will release at the completion of each financial year an online reporting template (published on this page) which includes details on what a local government will be required to report on.

Local government food safety activity:

Mandatory reporting-Food act 2008 and Public Health Act 2016 (2025-26 financial year)

Food Act 2008

The Department of Health is currently receiving reports from local government enforcement agencies for the 2025-26 financial year. Correspondence outlining the reporting requirements, including the reporting questions, has been provided to local government Chief Executive Officers.

Food and Public Health Act reporting questions 2025-26

Food and Public Health Act reporting guidelines 2025-26

Local governments are required to complete the online reporting form (external site), available from 1 July 2026. Completed reports must be submitted to the Department of Health by 31 August 2026.

Public Health Act

This year, the reporting form includes a new question to support public health planning. The Department is seeking information on local governments that have published a local public health plan in accordance with the Public Health Act 2016.

An additional, optional reporting component is also available for local governments to report on a range of functions and responsibilities under the Public Health Act 2016. This component can be completed online (external site).

The Department encourages participation in this optional component, as the value of the data is enhanced when most local governments contribute. Previous reports on this component are available for reference below.

This interactive dashboard presents key Food Act data comparing food businesses, assessment and workforce numbers specific to each WA local government.