Local Government Elections - Standing for Council

Thursday, October 16, 2008

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Local Government

Department of Local Government and Regional Development
Government of Western Australia

Local Government Elections - Standing for Council

Local Government Elections

Local Government Elections

Stand for Council - It's Rewarding
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.

Every local government has information about standing for council.

Candidate Information

Part 4 of the Local Government Act 1995 relates to the administration of local government elections. Candidates should be aware that elections are conducted under an act of Parliament and that there are penalties if convicted of breaching this Act.

Local Government Elections: Standing for Council - Information for Candidates - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (July 2007)

Local Government Elections: Frequently asked questions about your local government elections - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (July 2007)

Local Government Elections: Local Government in Western Australia - A Guide for Indigenous communities - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (September 2007)

Local Government Elections: Understanding Western Australian Local Government - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (July 2007)

Local Government Elections: Your Community - Your Local Government - You can be part of both by standing in the October 2007 Elections - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (July 2007)

The Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 accompany the Act and prescribe regulations for various election processes.

Elected Member Induction Guidelines

PDF 78.08Kb - a publication for local governments to assist with inducting elected members.

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

The Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) makes provision for the role of a mayor or president and councillor:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Why should I be a candidate for election? The experience of being a councillor is an enriching one. You will be the voice of your constituents and an ambassador for your community. The reward of personal satisfaction can be considerable as you have a chance to influence what happens in your community. You will gain satisfaction through: representing your community; being involved in key local issues and developments, and in liaising with the State and Commonwealth governments; being involved in establishing the strategic directions and vision for your local government; being responsible for approving the budget and monitoring your local government’s overall financial performance; ensuring equity of access to local government resources; and being involved with community organisations and events. As a councillor, you will gain knowledge and skills in areas which will assist you to perform effectively in such areas as policy formation, corporate planning, advocacy and budgeting. What qualifications do I need? No formal qualifications are necessary to be a councillor, but you should have an interest in government and, of course, in your community. Above all, you must have a liking for people and an interest in their problems. It also helps to be a good listener and an active team member. Training courses for councillors are available to help develop their skills. Who can nominate to be a candidate? Any person who is an Australian citizen, 18 years or over and on the electoral roll (unless a nominee of a body corporate or otherwise disqualified), may nominate for council. Please check with your local government to confirm that you are eligible. When can I nominate? Candidate nominations open September 6 and close 4pm September 13, 2007. How do I apply? There are a few steps to get your name on the ballot paper. You must: complete the following nomination forms: Nomination for Election by CandidatePDF 49.63Kb or Nomination for Election by AgentPDF 49.78Kb Disclosure of Gifts (if applicable)PDF 37.38Kb ; complete a Candidate’s Profile (see examplesPDF 516.16Kb; pay the deposit fee of $80 by any means where the Returning Officer is able to ensure that the amount is credited to the local government before nominations close; and ensure that the nomination has been properly authorised by the candidate where it has been lodged by an agent on behalf on the candidate. For more frequently asked questions about voting and the election process, download the local government elections publication Frequently Asked Questions About local government elections - published by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development (July 2007)PDF 129.31Kb

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

For further details on local government elections, contact your local government or use our information request form and we will respond to you as quickly as possible.

See also...

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Page last updated on Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Page last updated on Tuesday, March 25, 2008

© 2008 Department of Local Government and Regional Development

© 2008 Department of Local Government and Regional Development

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