In this section you will find frequently asked questions and a quick quiz - both of which focus on some of the key eligibility criteria for standing in local government elections. There is also a comprehensive self-assessment tool you can use to help assess your readiness for the role of councillor. There are also independent learning activities to help you understand more about the role of councillor in local government.

Frequently asked questions

The following questions are commonly asked by people who consider running in local government elections.

• Am I eligible to stand for election?

  To be eligible to stand for election as a councillor you must:

  • be an Australian citizen
  • live in the local government’s area
  • be eligible to vote (i.e. you must live in a particular place for one month before being entitled to be enrolled for that address).

  There are some disqualifications which prevent a person from running for election to local government.

• Do I need any special qualifications to stand for election?

  No, you don't require formal qualifications to be a councillor. However, you do need certain skills and attributes to be an effective councillor, including:

  • self-awareness
  • interpersonal skills
  • the ability to accept alternative points of view
  • the ability to manage your time well
  • teamwork skills
  • public speaking skills
  • problem-solving and analytical skills
  • listening skills
  • negotiation, mediation and conflict-resolution skills.

  It also helps if you understand:

  • Finance (e.g. budgets, financial management, long-term financial planning).
  • Strategic management (e.g. to develop policies and strategies for community goals, both long- and short-term).
  • Community engagement processes (e.g. consulting the community about their views and expectations).
  • Relevant legislation (e.g. Local Government Act 2009).

  Above all, you must have an interest in your community and a liking for people. Think about the particular skills you will bring to the role and the contribution you would like to make. It also helps to be a good listener and an active team member. How you relate to, and work with, your fellow councillors and the community will be significant in your success as a councillor.

  Module 4 contains more information about Councillor roles and responsibilities.

• Will I be paid if elected to local government?

  Local government mayors and councillors receive payment for their work. The Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal is responsible for setting the remuneration schedule which establishes salary ranges for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors in different categories of local governments.

  The Tribunal categorise each local government having regard to demographic and economic factors, and by 1 December each year it is required to decide the remuneration paid to mayors and other councillors in the following year. The Regulation requires all local governments to adopt, by resolution, the Tribunal's Remuneration Schedule and set the rates payable (within the salary range of the relevant category) to its mayor and other councillors.

• How much of my time will the role of councillor take up?

  The amount of time you need to devote to your councillor role will largely depend on the size of the council and the population of the local government area. Anecdotal evidence suggests the role is much more demanding than councillors expected when they nominated for election. In many Queensland councils the role of both the mayor and councillors is a full-time job.

  Councillors have to undertake diverse and time-intensive activities including:

  • reading
  • preparation and submission of reports
  • preparation for meetings and research of matters before council
  • participation in council, committee and public meetings
  • community engagement and consultation
  • attendance at community events.
• Can I stand for election for the post of Mayor as well as election as a councillor?

  No. A person cannot nominate for election as mayor and councillor in the one election. If, at noon on the date set for close of nominations, someone has nominated for both positions, both nominations would be invalid.

• How do I nominate to run for election?

  The Queensland local government elections, held every four years, will be conducted in 2012 by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ). Intending candidates should visit the ECQ website for information on:

  • nomination processes for the 2012 local government elections
  • election day protocols
  • how-to-vote cards
  • the role of the local area Returning Officer
  • the appointment of scrutineers
  • voting systems that apply to the particular local government area.