Becoming a Councillor
How do I know if I’m eligible to be a Councillor?
If you’re entitled to vote at elections for councils in NSW, then the chances are you will be able to nominate as a candidate.
However, before nominating, you must check that you are on the electoral roll for the council area you are nominating for and make sure you are not disqualified from standing for office.
You can check this by visiting check.aec.gov.au
Some of the reasons that may disqualify you from standing for office include if you are currently serving a prison sentence, have been convicted of certain election-related criminal offences, or are prohibited from managing companies.
How do I nominate as a candidate?
Nomination forms and candidate information kits are available on the NSW Electoral Commissions website.
Nomination forms must be formally lodged with the Returning Officer, who is an official appointed by the NSW Electoral Commissioner to conduct elections for one or more council areas.
What is the deadline for nominating as a candidate?
Nominations for candidates for councils open on Monday, 5 August 2024 and close at 12 noon on Wednesday, 14 August 2024.
Do you need special qualifications to become a Councillor?
Although you must meet certain eligibility requirements to nominate as a candidate, there are no special qualifications other than a desire to serve your community and contribute to local decision making in a supportive, positive and inclusive way.
What are important qualities for Councillors to have?
Energy and a ‘can do’ desire to make a difference are important qualities for Councillors.
You will be inclusive, approachable and willing to work across communities and make decisions that benefit and provide opportunity for the whole local government area.
Councils may be local in focus, but they’re strategic in outlook.
As a Councillor, you’ll also be willing to balance good local outcomes with sound decision making to bring about long-lasting community benefits for current and future generations.
Important qualities of a successful Councillor are:
- Team player who enjoys working with others to make a difference.
- Problem solver who is willing to make courageous decisions in the interests of the community.
- Organised and able to keep track of different meetings, events, information and timelines.
- Good listener who is interested in understanding the views of all community members.
- Ethical, open and accountable.
- Respectful of community members, council staff and other Councillors.
What are the benefits of being a councillor?
Local councils are at the heart of many cities, regions and towns.
They help shape places and provide the direction and planning that communities need to succeed and grow.
Being a Councillor is rewarding and gives everyday people the opportunity to guide and influence the long term vision and direction of the local community.
The benefits include:
- making decisions that benefit and provide opportunity for people in your community
- supporting the long-term vision and direction for your community.
- learning new skills and being supported by personalised professional development and leadership programs.
What challenges might a councillor face?
While the benefits of being a Councillor are many, it is also a role that requires time, commitment and energy.
Some of the challenges Councillors may face include:
- continuing the journey started by councils, and making courageous decisions that may be unpopular with some people but bring benefits to the whole community
- balancing good local governance with strategic decision making to bring about lasting benefits for the whole community and not just the area you live in or represent
- working respectfully and constructively as a team with people who may have differing views, experiences and motivations to you.
Where can I find more information about the 2024 elections for new local councils and becoming a councillor?
Office of Local Government Resources
The Office of Local Government has a number of guides for those thinking of becoming Councillors.
Interested in becoming a Councillor?
Stand for your community - Candidate Guide
Stand for your community - A Guide for Women
Stand for your community - A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Stand for your community - A guide for culturally and linguistically diverse people
Online candidate training tool
Office of Local Government
Phone: 02 4428 4100
Email: olg@olg.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.olg.nsw.gov.au
Local Government NSW Peak body for local councils
Phone: 02 9242 4000
Email: lgnsw@lgnsw.org.au
Web: www.lgnsw.org.au
NSW Electoral Commission General enquiries about nominating and voting at local council elections
Phone: 02 9290 5999 / 1300 135 736
Email: enquiries@elections.nsw.gov.au
Web: https://elections.nsw.gov.au/