The Role of a Councillor
The Role of a Councillor
The role of councillors is set out in the Local Government Act 1993.
Councillors
Councillors are responsible for reviewing, debating and making decisions about issues that are brought before their council. Councillors swear an Oath to carry out this role impartially, to the best of their ability, and in the best interests of the community.
The council appoints a general manager to manage its administrative functions. The council is also responsible for reviewing the general manager’s performance.
Councillors must represent and act in the interests of the community. They have responsibilities to develop and monitor the implementation of strategic plans, budgets, policies and programs.
Councillors are not authorised to direct the employees of a council, or to perform the function of a mayor without the approval of the mayor.
Mayors and Deputy Mayors
In addition to the functions they perform as councillors, a mayor is the figurehead of the council. He or she represents the council in civic duties and acts as the council’s spokesperson. The mayor must also promote good governance, chair council meetings, liaise with the general manager on council matters, lead and participate in the general manager’s appointment and monitor the general manager’s performance.
A deputy mayor may act in the mayor’s role when the mayor is absent, or by approval of the mayor.
Councils as a planning authority
Each council acts as the planning authority for their municipality.
In this role, councillors consider development applications and make administrative decisions that are based on the council’s planning scheme. While councillors are obliged to consider the community’s views, this does not mean they can vote in favour of those views while fulfilling the role of a planning authority.
Councillors must make planning decisions based on whether a planning application is consistent with the local planning scheme, even if members of the community object to the planning proposal.
Further information
This information is sourced from the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Visit their page here to find more information on what councils do relating to elected members, term of office, the General Manager, council staff, good governance, and the councillor code of conduct.