WA councils probe how artificial intelligence can boost productivity, help with workforce shortages

Australia’s Local Government Minister has backed councils — including in WA — using artificial intelligence to boost productivity and ease staff shortages, with many reviewing or trailing how the technology can improve workflow. Kristy McBain said she was eagerly awaiting the results of a trial across 16 NSW councils into how AI tools could fast-track local planning systems and development assessment timeframes. “I’m keen to explore how local governments can benefit from new service delivery technologies including artificial intelligence,” she told PerthNow. WA Local Government Association boss Karen Chappel said the State’s peak body was also exploring how AI can cut back workload and make councils more efficient. “There’s just a shortage of skilled workers at all levels. We see that it could be a really good tool, but we must understand the risks before we expose ourselves,” Ms Chappel said. “Our understanding isn’t as deep as it should be. The intent… is to research the benefits of AI. “We want to do the research for the benefit of our organisation, to be more efficient, but also for the benefit of our members.” Ms Chappel said several WA councils were following AI developments and seeking to implement new technology into their operations to get the best outcomes for their residents and ratepayers. AI productivity was raised as a tool for local governments across Australia at the 2025 National General Assembly held in Canberra in June. The City of Vincent is among councils eager to tap into AI and has begun its own reviews into technology which could assist with auditing processes. “At the City of Vincent, we have started investigating. Trying to understand how that can be better utilised in order to increase productivity,” mayor Alison Xamon said. “One of the areas, for example, where we’re already looking for potential using AI is around the areas of audit. “Areas where you can actually take an almost clinical approach to works. That is actually something that we’re looking at right now.” While Cr Xamon said it could be a “big opportunity” she warned that councils shouldn’t substitute human connection and should be cautious with potential risks. “We are still only just starting to understand the potential and risks,” she said. “And I think that until we have got a better understanding about what that actually looks like, it’s very difficult to just move towards embracing it. “There’s never, ever going to be a substitute for that human connection with community.” Ms McBain said while state governments were responsible for overseeing the use of AI by local governments, the Federal government had issued advice on responsible use. “We have released the Voluntary AI Safety Standard to give practical guidance on how to use artificial intelligence safely and responsibly and encourage councils to use this resource,” she said. A spokeswoman for the Federal Minister of Industry and Innovation Tim Ayers welcomed the embrace of AI at every level of government. “Australia has a unique opportunity to shape this transformation — to seize the benefits, manage the risks, and grow the living standards for all Australians,” she said. “Action is needed now to capture this opportunity across the entire Australian economy. This includes targeted action from every level of government, including local government.”