Stand for Council

If you want to make a difference in your community and have a say in local decision-making, stand for election as a local government councillor.

There are many reasons why people stand for council. The sense of satisfaction from serving the community, increased knowledge about the operation of government, improved confidence in public speaking and the chance to play an important role in the changes occurring within your community.

Candidate Information
Every local government has information about standing for council. If you wish to stand for council, it is important that you contact your local government’s Returning Officer.

The Role of Elected Members
The importance of the role of mayor, president or councillor cannot be underestimated. It involves a strong commitment to achieve effective local government, which improves the quality of life in your community. An effective council is essential and requires teamwork and dedication from all elected members.

The Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) makes provision for the role of a mayor or president and councillor. A copy of the Act is available on the State Law Publisher website.

Mayor or President

• presides at meetings in accordance with the Act
• provides leadership and guidance to the community in the district
• carries out civic and ceremonial duties on behalf of the local government
• speaks on behalf of the local government
• performs such other functions as are given to the mayor or president by the Act or any other written law, and
• liaises with the CEO on the local government’s affairs and the performance of its functions.

Councillor

• represents the interests of electors, ratepayers and residents of the district
• provides leadership and guidance to the community in the district
• facilitates communication between the community and the council
• participates in the local government’s decision-making processes at council and committee meetings, and
• performs such other functions as are given to a councillor by the Act or any other written law.

The Department of Local Government encourages people from diverse backgrounds to nominate for election as councillors and offers advice to candidates. For more information, please contact us.