BUDGET PREPARATION

From budget planning to council adoption

  • WA Local Government

    Industry specific training

  • Experienced Instructors

    Role-based expertise

  • Flexible & Convenient

    Online delivery mode

  • Hands-On

    Learn with your own data

  • 4 sessions (3 hrs each)

    Bite-sized sessions

    • Toolbox

      Downloadable materials
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    Course information is coming soon.
    Please contact Rhona Hawkins (rhona@lgbestpractices.com.au) with any questions in the meantime.

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    Course Overview

    Rates 101 is an eight-week training course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently perform the core functions of a local government rates officer in Western Australia.

    Ideal for entry-level staff, the course starts with the fundamentals and builds progressively, offering a complete overview of day-to-day rating operations. It’s also proven valuable for rates managers, finance officers, and other local government staff seeking a better understanding of the rating function.

    Rates 101 provides a strong operational foundation for those responsible for the front-line delivery of rates services.

    Format & Access

    Rates 101 is delivered online across an eight-week program, with live training sessions held every Tuesday at 10:00am (AWST) via Microsoft Teams. Each session runs for approximately 1 to 2 hours, with plenty of time for Q&A and discussion.

    Participants will gain access to a secure online learning portal, where they can:
    • Access recordings of all sessions (available on-demand for 12 months)
    • Download a toolbox of practical resources — including templates, checklists, and examples
    • Engage with fellow participants through an online discussion forum
    • Submit questions, participate in Q&A, and network with peers from other councils

    In addition, participants receive three hours of complimentary one-on-one mentoring to use at any time within 12 months of completing the course — perfect for clarifying issues or getting tailored guidance on real-world challenges.

    What You'll Learn

    By the end of the Rates 101 course, participants will have the skills and knowledge to confidently carry out the key responsibilities of a rates officer, including:

    • Understanding the legislative framework governing rating in WA
    • Managing rates enquiries and receipting
    • Processing and printing rates notices
    • Handling Electronic Advice of Sale (EAS) transactions
    • Applying pensioner and senior concession entitlements
    • Conducting end-of-month processes and reconciliations
    • Calculating and issuing interim rates
    • Administering mining tenements and related rating requirements
    • Preparing journals and issuing refunds
    • Managing ex gratia rates and concessions
    • Supporting debt collection and payment arrangements
    • Administering the Emergency Services Levy (ESL)

    This course is highly practical and designed to reflect real-world systems, workflows, and compliance expectations in WA local government.

    Who should attend?

    Rates 101 is designed for anyone looking to build or strengthen their understanding of rating functions in Western Australian local government, including:

    • New or entry-level rates officers who need structured, practical training
    • Finance and administration officers supporting rates operations
    • Team leaders or rates managers seeking a broader view of day-to-day processes
    • Other local government staff who work closely with the rating function (e.g. customer service, property, records)

    Whether you're new to local government or seeking a refresher on rating fundamentals, this course provides a solid foundation for confident, compliant performance in a rates-focused role.

    • Live Training
    • Learning Materials
    • Templates & Forms
    • Completion Certificate
    • Ongoing Support

    What's included?

    This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and practices of rating in Western Australian local government. You will learn about: 

    • Legislative Framework
    • Refunds
    • Rates Enquiries
    • Ex gratia Payments
    • Rates Receipting
    • Debt Collection
    • Notice Printing
    • Payment Arrangements
    • Electronic Advice of Sales (EAS)
    • Emergency Services Levy
    • Pensioner and Seniors Concessions
    • Month End Processes & Reconciliations
    • Interim Rating
    • Mining Tenements
    • Journals

    Meet the trainers

    Toni Reitmajer and Rhona Hawkins bring together decades of experience in Western Australian local government finance, rates administration, and governance. Their combined expertise delivers practical, real-world training designed specifically for local government professionals.


    Toni Reitmajer is a highly experienced rates and property specialist with more than 37 years in local government finance. Her background spans operational roles within council rates departments and consulting on rating and property system implementations. Toni brings deep expertise in rates estimates, property transfers, valuation amendments, reconciliations, and debt management. Known for her practical, detail-focused approach, she shares real examples and proven processes that help participants confidently manage both routine and complex rating scenarios.


    Rhona Hawkins, founder of LG Best Practices, is a respected finance consultant with decades of experience supporting local governments across Western Australia. She specialises in financial management, governance, and compliance, helping councils strengthen financial practices and meet their obligations under the Local Government Act. Rhona is known for translating complex legislation and policy into clear, practical guidance that supports effective day-to-day operations.


    Together, Toni and Rhona deliver engaging and practical training programs such as Rates 101 and Advanced Rates, equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to apply best practice in local government rating functions.

    Local Government Finance Expert
    "Throughout my career I dreamt of developing a suite of courses designed for both entry level and seasoned LG finance professionals, so to see this finally come to fruition is quite surreal”

    Rhona Hawkins

    Director, LG Best Practices
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