Local government is the lowest level of governance in Australia. Local governments are usually called councils, municipalities or shires. There are 537 local governments in Australia, each representing a different city, town, urban or regional area. On average a local government covers around 30,000 people but some like Brisbane City Council covers over one million people.
Many people think local government is not as important because federal and state & territory governments make the big decisions that affect the wider economy and society.
Local government is important. They make decisions that directly affect you, your community and the quality of life in the area where you live. Depending on each state or territory, they make decisions and laws (called by-laws) about things like the rates property owners pay (land taxes), building planning and development approval, community and sports facilities, local transport infrastructure and essential services like water & sewage systems and rubbish collection.
Enrolling to vote in a local government election
All eligible electors must enrol to vote. When you enrol to vote, you are enrolled for Commonwealth, State and local government elections. You can check your enrolment online.
I am not an Australian citizen. Can I vote?
In South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, it is possible to vote if you are not an Australian citizen at the local government level. Check the state sections below for more information.
In other states and the Northern Territory, you need to be a citizen to vote.
Do I have to vote?
If you are eligible to vote for state, territory or federal elections in Australia, voting in local government elections is normally mandatory. You may receive a fine for not voting without an acceptable reason.
It is not mandatory in South Australia or Western Australia.
How local governments work
Local governments work differently in each state and territory. Generally, a local government will be made up of around nine-15 members called councillors who are elected for four-year terms. These councillors can be members of political parties or independents.
The elected head of a local government is often called a mayor or president.
Councillors often make local government decisions by a majority vote in a council chamber, the local government version of a parliament. Sometimes if there is an even split between councillors the mayor or president can cast a deciding vote.
Local governments do not have an upper and lower house. There is just one chamber of government to vote for.
Elections
You get to choose your representatives in local government through elections. Each state and territory has different rules for how local government elections work. Please see below for information from where you live.
The Australian Capital Territory does not have this level of government and does not have local government elections. The Legislative Assembly takes the responsibilities of a local council.
