Perth, like the rest of Australia, is governed through three interconnected levels of government — local, state, and federal — each responsible for distinct administrative and legislative functions that shape life across the metropolitan region.

Local Government: The City at Ground Level

The Perth metropolitan area is divided into 30 local government authorities, which oversee essential community services such as waste collection, urban planning, libraries, and recreation. At the heart of this network is the City of Perth, which governs the central business district (CBD) and nearby precincts.

The outer limits of Greater Perth are managed by a range of councils, including the City of Wanneroo and City of Swan to the north, the Shire of Mundaring, City of Kalamunda, and City of Armadale to the east, and the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and City of Rockingham to the south. Offshore territories like Rottnest Island and Garden Island also fall under the city’s broader jurisdiction.

State Government: The Political Heart of Western Australia

Perth serves as the administrative and political capital of Western Australia, housing both the Parliament of Western Australia and the Governor’s official residence. The Parliament House, located on Harvest Terrace, is where the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council convene to debate and pass state laws.

Following the 2008 state election, 42 of the 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly and 18 of the 36 seats in the Legislative Council were held by representatives from the Perth metropolitan area — underscoring the city’s political influence within the state.

Perth also hosts the state’s highest judicial institutions, including the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the District Court, and the Family Court, supported by six Magistrates’ Courts spread across the metropolitan area.

Federal Government: Perth’s National Role

At the federal level, Perth contributes significantly to Australia’s national governance. The city is represented by 10 full federal electorates — including Curtin, Perth, and Stirling — as well as parts of Canning, Pearce, and Brand, which extend into regional Western Australia.

Federal judicial matters are managed through the Commonwealth Law Courts building on Victoria Avenue, home to the Federal Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court (formerly the Federal Magistrates Court). The complex also hosts annual sittings of the High Court of Australia, reinforcing Perth’s role in the nation’s judicial system.

A Balanced System of Governance

Through its layered framework of local councils, state leadership, and federal representation, Perth operates as both the administrative center of Western Australia and a vital contributor to Australia’s democracy. This structure ensures decisions made in the city resonate from neighborhood streets to national policy arenas, defining Perth’s position as a key hub of governance and justice in the country.