Councillor Resources

The role of councillor is becoming increasingly complex. Councillors have a range of important individual and collective responsibilities and obligations as part of a council. These include:

representing and acting in the interests of their community
developing and monitoring the implementation of strategic plans, budgets, policies and programs
making decisions as a statutory planning authority.

There are resources available on this website to assist councillors carry out their duties, including:

the Good Governance Guide
ethical decision making scenarios
information sheets to explain important aspects of local government legislation
guidance documents for the practical application of the legislation.

Council and councillor resources developed by the Office of Local Government can be found on the Resources for Councils and Councillors page.

Information is also available to assist councillors’ understanding of broader local government issues, such as:

local government reform
council performance

Other Resources

Other organisations provide a range of resources to support councils and councillors.

Local Government Association of Tasmania

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) is the peak body responsible for local councils in Tasmania. Councils pay a fee to be a member of LGAT, in return LGAT

represents the interests of Tasmanian councils
promotes an efficient and effective system of local government in Tasmania
provides services to member councils, councillors and employees of councils

Contact the Local Government Association of Tasmania

Tasmanian Electoral Commission

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) and the Electoral Commissioner supervise local government elections. To do this, the TEC

manage the electoral roll
produce and despatch ballot papers
approve electoral forms and procedures
appoint the returning officers who conduct each council’s election
raise public awareness of council elections
ensure statutory advertising

The TEC provides detailed election information for voters and for people who wish to run as a candidate for local government. It also announces the outcome of council elections and provides information on vacancies which arise outside election periods.

Contact the Tasmanian Electoral Commission

Support for women in local government

Specific support is available for women in local government, including:

The Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) – a national association created in 1951 to support women's participation in local government through networking, mentoring and other innovative opportunities

The WomenCan program from the Tasmanian Branch of ALGWA – outlines the steps women can take to help them decide to stand for council.

View the Women in local government page for more information.

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