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COUNTRY PROFILE 2017–18 THE LOCAL SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA SUMMARY Australia is a with a federal division of power comprising six states and two territories. Local government is under the jurisdiction of each state and territory government. There is no constitutional provision for local government. The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and (DIRDC) is responsible for local government policies and programmes for the . There are 546 local government areas in Australia, all of which are single-tiered. In 2015–16 local government expenditure was 5.7% of total government expenditure, and in 2017, 32.2% of were women. Local authorities raise over 90% of their own funds; however this proportion varies considerably between larger urban and smaller rural authorities. Although there are variations between the states and territories, councils typically have statutory responsibility for local infrastructure, health, water and sewerage amenities, community services including childcare, aged care and recreation, cultural and educational establishments, and commercial establishments including parking, aerodromes, cemeteries and quarries.

1. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 2.2 Main legislative texts The of Australia was There is no federal jurisdiction over local established by in 1901 and government. Each state or territory has is a federal constitutional monarchy.2.1a its own local government legislation The federal parliament, based in the see table 2.1c and reference 2.2b-h. capital , comprises a house of Typically, such legislation covers the representatives and a . The house role and powers of councils, conduct KEY FACTS of representatives has 150 members, of local elections, qualifications of each representing a separate electoral councillors, codes of conduct for division. Members are elected for councillors and mayors, procedures for POPULATION (2017 Census): terms of up to three years under the council meetings, the role of council 23,401,892 preferential vote system. The senate has employees, requirements for financial AREA (UN 2006): 76 senators: 12 are elected for each of the management, accountability and 7,692,024 sq km six states, and two each for the Australian reporting obligations, and powers to Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern levy rates and charges. Between 1989 CAPITAL: Territory. Senators are elected using a and 1999 all local government acts Canberra proportional representation system. were reviewed, with and CURRENCY: State senators are elected for six-year the ’s Acts being (AUD) terms. The election of territory senators reviewed again in 2009 and 2011 takes place at the same time as elections respectively. These reviews generally : for the . resulted in less prescription of councils’ HM Queen Elizabeth II Following the 2016 national elections, roles and functions, but greater public 28.7% elected representatives and accountability and tighter requirements -GENERAL: 40.8% of senators were women.2.1b The for corporate planning and reporting. Sir Peter Cosgrove head of state is HM Queen Elizabeth HEAD OF GOVERNMENT: II, represented by a governor-general 2.3 Proposed legislative changes Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who is appointed for a five-year term State and territory have

on the advice of the prime minister. differing proposed changes to the FORM OF GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy The governor-general appoints the legislative and policy frameworks cabinet, also on the advice of the prime under which local governments : minister, and all members of cabinet operate. The bicameral must be members of parliament. Government has undertaken a review Members of parliament are distributed into its legislation and has made STATE STRUCTURE: between the six states of the national changes that seek to clarify roles federal government (called the Commonwealth and responsibilities of councillors, Government): New South Wales (48 LANGUAGE: mayors, administrators and general English (official) members), (37), Queensland (30), managers; introduce new guiding (11), (15), principles for local government; improve NATIONAL ELECTIONS: (5); and two territories – the governance of councils and professional last: 2016, turnout: 91.0%; next: 2019 ACT and the Northern Territory (2 each). development for councillors; expand

on the framework for strategic business WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT (2016): representatives: 28.7; senators: 40.8% 2. LEGAL BASIS FOR planning and reporting; prioritise LOCAL GOVERNMENT community engagement and financial LOCAL ELECTIONS: 2.1 Constitutional provisions accountability; and streamline council vary from state to state Although local government is recognised administrative processes. The Western WOMEN COUNCILLORS (2017): in all state , and in the Australian and Victorian Governments 32.2% federal legislation which is effectively the are currently undertaking reviews of their local government legislation. of the Northern Territory, LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE there is no reference to local government as a percentage of total government in Australia’s national constitution2.2a. expenditure 2015/16: 5.7%

www.clgf.org.uk/australia 5 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN Australia COUNTRY PROFILE 2017–18

Table 2.1a Distribution of local government areas and population They manage their own systems of local Local government Population Population % rural government, each with legislation which State/territory areas 2016 Census 2017 estimate 2016 confer on local government powers and New South Wales 131 7,797,791 na na responsibilities, including provisions for local elections. Seven of the eight states Queensland 77 4,883,739 na na and territories have a separate tier of local government – the exception is the South Australia 74 1,716,966 na na ACT, where the Territory government performs all local government functions. Tasmania 29 519,050 na na States and territories have ministers who Victoria 79 6,244,227 na na are responsible for local government (although the formal titles vary), and Western Australia 137 2,567,788 na na who manage implementation of their local government legislation. They are Australian Capital Territory 1 406,403 na na each supported by a department which manages programmes to help councils Northern Territory 18 245,048 na na achieve good governance and provides TOTAL 546 *23,401,892 24 511,800 <10.0 policy advice. Where there is a severe failure of governance in a council, a * Total includes institutional population state or territory minister has authority Source: DIRDC communication with CLGF and Australian Bureau of Statistics2.3a to dissolve the council and appoint administrators to carry out some or all 2.4 National urban policy in purchasing, joint delivery of services of the local government’s functions. The Australian Government released and advocacy before other levels of Generally this will be accompanied by a the Smart Cities Plan on 29 April 2016.2.2i government. The size of Australian local public inquiry into the council, prior to a The Smart Cities Plan sets out a range governments varies from some Western new council being elected. of opportunities and challenges that Australian councils with less than 1,000 residents, to Brisbane Council with a cities face in Australia and proposes 3.3 Council types actions to address them. The Australian population of over one million. There is a wide variety of council Government is implementing the structures in Australia, both between Decentralisation Program which was 3.2 Ministerial oversight and within states. Councils have launched April 2017. The Decentralisation The responsible department of state considerable discretion over their Program aims to ensure that the benefits is the Department of Infrastructure, organisational structures and of national economic growth are not 2.3b Regional Development and Cities committee systems, but are usually restricted to Australia’s major cities. (DIRDC) which manages most federal required to conduct nearly all formal Under the Decentralisation Program, local government programmes and council business in open session. the Government will consider business provides policy advice to the minister. cases on proposed relocations and make The minister is responsible for: allocating 4. ELECTIONS decisions on relocations in 2018. federal funding for local government, mostly via the state and territory 4.1 Recent local elections 3. STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT governments2.3c-j; producing an annual Local elections vary from state to .2a-h 3.1 Local government within the state report on local government to be tabled state ; see Table 1c. Australia has a total of 546 single-tiered in the federal parliament; and annual local governments. Although local national awards recognising excellence 4.2 Voting system in local government. Constitutional governments sometimes voluntarily The system of election for local councils responsibility in Australia for local come together to form regional varies from one state or territory to government areas (usually called organisations of councils, these do not another. Table 1c below outlines the councils) lies with the eight state and form a separate tier of government, but different practices. Some states have territory governments. provide a basis for councils to collaborate adopted voluntary voting, while others have compulsory or universal postal voting for council elections in order to increase Table 2.1b Women councillors and mayors 2005-2017 voter turnout. Mayors may be elected directly by constituents, or indirectly by 2009–12 2013–16 2017–2020 fellow councillors, and terms for both can All councillors # % # % # % vary from one to four years. Methods for electing councillors include preferential All female councillors na 28.4 na 29.8 na 32.2 or single transferable voting, proportional representation and the first-past-the-post All male councillors na 71.6 na 70.2 na 67.8 system. Enrolment and voting for local government elections include eligible Total councillors na 100.0 na 100.0 na 100.0 Australian citizens 18 years and over who Chairpersons/mayors # % # % # % have lived at their present address for at least one month as a basis, with some Female mayors na na na na na na local governments including variations for resident and non-resident electors. Male mayors na na na na na na

Total mayors na na 100.0 na na 100.0

Source: DIRDC communication with CLGF

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Table 2.1c Local government systems by state/territory

Female Date of last representation after Date of next Main Jurisdiction local election Turnout the last elections election legislation Voting system used

Australian No local No local No local No local No local Territory performs all local government Capital government government government government government functions Territory

New South 9 September No data No data available 2020 New South Every four years Wales 2016 available following the 2016 Wales: Local Property owners who pay rates on a property 2017 (newly following the election. Government but do not live locally can apply to vote 2016 election. Act 19932.2b amalgamated Preferential or proportional representation councils) Following the 2012 Turnout in election, 34.3% of voting 2012 was councilors were Mayors may be elected directly or indirectly 82.1% women. Voting compulsory

Northern 26 August No data No data available 2021 Northern Attendance voting supported by early, Territory 2017 except available following the 2016 Territory: postal, absent and mobile polling Palmerston following the election. Local Elections for all held on a Saturday in March City which 2016 election. Government every four years was held on Following the 2008 Act 20112.2c 17 March 2018 Turnout in election 34% of Exhaustive preferential voting following a 2012 was 70% councilors and 26% Five municipal principal members elected period under of mayors women directly plus one principal member administration Voting compulsory

Queensland 2016 No data Following the 2016 2020 Queensland: Varies by local government – some conduct available election, 32.9% Local elections entirely by postal ballot following the (165/502) councilors Government Preferential or first-past-the-post voting 2016 election. were women, down Act 20092.2d from 35% in 2012. Separate direct votes for councillors and for Turnout in In 2016, 20.8% mayors; mayors elected using preferential 2012 was (16/77) mayors were voting 100% women, up from Voting compulsory 18% in 2012

South November No data No data available November South Elections held every four years in November Australia 2014 available following the 2016 2018 Australia: Postal voting using proportional following the election. Local representation 2014 election. Government Women were 28% of Act 19992..2e Residents, and owners and occupiers of Turnout in councilors and 21% ratable property, eligible to vote 2013 was 33% of Mayors in 2009 Voting not compulsory

Tasmania 14–28 October Election, Following the 2014 September Tasmania: Open to residents, land owners and occupiers 2014 turnout in election, 14% of and October Local Postal voting, using proportional 2014 was councilors were 2018 Government representation 57% women, down from Act 19932.2f 27% in 2010. 27% of Half of each council is elected every two years mayors in 2014 were representing the entire council area, with women. councillors serving four-year terms. Mayors and deputy mayors are directly elected at every council election for a two-year term Voting not compulsory

Victoria October No data Following the October 2020 Victoria: Elections held every four years 2016 (except available 2016 election, Local Residents and ratepayers eligible to vote for Greater following the 38.1% (241/637) of Government 2016 election, councilors were Act 19892.2g Preferential voting – but wards electing City Council women, up from two or more councillors use proportional which is under Turnout in 30% in 2012. 40.5% representation administration; 2012 was 72% (32/79) mayors in Councils may choose to conduct postal elections 2016 were women, elections scheduled for up from 23% in Elections are for councillors only, not mayors, October 2017) 2012 who are elected from among councillors (except for City of , where the mayor and deputy mayor are directly elected) Voting compulsory for residents aged 18-70; optional for those aged 70+

Western 21 October Turnout in The number of October 2019 Western Voting mostly postal Australia 2017 2017 was 34.5, women councillors Australia: Directly for councillors and for mayors – for up from 33% after the 2017 Local councillors every two years; and for mayors in 2013 election was Government every four years unknown. Following Act 19952.2h the 2015 election, First-past-the-post voting 34.3% of councilors Elections held third Saturday in October were women, up every two years from 28% in 2009, Voting not compulsory when 24% of Mayors were female.

Source: DIRDC communication with CLGF

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4.3 Elected representatives 5.2 Implementation 6. ORGANISED LOCAL GOVERNMENT Eligibility to stand for election as a In the Northern Territory, a network of 6.1 National local government associations varies according to state/ local boards has been established by At the national level, the state and territory; similarly mayors may be directly shire councils to enable them to take territory associations have combined to or indirectly elected. The number of a systematic approach to community form the Australian Local Government councillors per council normally varies input on issues. Local boards are Association2.6a (ALGA), which has its from four to 15, although Brisbane City voluntary groups of community headquarters in Canberra. ALGA is Council has 26 councillors and a Lord members which provide advice and recognised as the peak national body Mayor. Some mayors have considerable input to on local issues and for local government. It represents political and/or executive authority. Most priorities, and may also play a role in local government on a wide range serve part-time, with the exception of organising local community activities. of federal/state ministerial councils, those in a few large cities. intergovernmental committees and 5.3 ICT use in citizen engagement advisory bodies. ALGA is a member of 4.4 Women’s representation Local governments around Australia are the Commonwealth Local Government In 2017, nationally, women accounted increasingly using ICT to improve local Forum (CLGF) and the Asia Pacific for 32.2% of councillors –up from 29.8% community engagement. Examples Regional Section of United Cities and in 2015 and 28.4% in 2010. In response include Wyndham City Council which Local Government (UCLG ASPAC). Also to a national strategy for women in local won the 2017 National Award for at the national level, the state and government introduced in 2009, council Excellence in Local Government for their territory associations of professionals audits now include monitoring of innovative approach in developing and have combined to form LG Professionals. gender equity and improved collection delivering the WynLens—Visualization, LG Professionals Australia represents the of gender-related data. However, the Analysis and Modelling of a Holographic local government professionals, senior figures differ between jurisdictions, with City project. The WynLens project managers and emerging leaders. Victoria having the highest proportion of enhances community engagement and women councillors with 38.1%. improves planning outcomes by allowing 6.2 Other local government associations residents to visualise local surroundings Each state and the Northern Territory 2.6b-h 5. SYSTEMS FOR using interactive 3D and immersive has a local government association. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT landscapes. In developing WynLens, Membership of each association is in partnership with the tertiary and 5.1 Legal requirement voluntary, but almost all councils in private sectors, Wyndham City has used Australia have chosen to be members State government legislation for local cutting-edge technology to improve of their state or territory association. The government usually provides for councils its local community’s understanding of associations are funded by subscriptions to consult with their communities on all planning and development proposals. A from members, grants from state and important matters. The New South Wales further example is the City of Melbourne territory governments, and fees for services, Local Government Act 1993, for example, where, to support consideration of projects, research and publications. The requires councils to consult with their changes to Macarthur Square, the city local government associations for New communities on the provision of services, council has developed an online site for South Wales and Victoria are incorporated including the development of a council’s the community to provide their direct bodies that are recognised by specific long-term strategic plan. This document feedback, gain further information state legislation. In the other states and identifies the community’s main priorities through a document library and timeline the Northern Territory they are recognised and its strategies for achieving these. In and access the latest information. and incorporated under the primary piece Victoria, analogous legislation provides of state or territory legislation regulating community members with the right to local government. At the state and make submissions on a range of council 5.4 E-government territory level, discussions occur between matters and activities, including the All levels of government in Australia, local government ministers, senior council plan and budget. Councils are including local government, make local government officials and local also required to produce community extensive use of information and government associations on matters of plans which inform the council plan. communications technology to deliver mutual concern. Some states make use These involve community consultations services and consult with communities. of advisory boards. For example: which in turn shape councils’ service Most councils maintain websites delivery and community infrastructure through which constituents can: pay nn Western Australia has a local development priorities. Strong linkages rates, fees and fines; access council government advisory board, a have also been forged in Victoria between publications; lodge complaints; and statutory body that provides advice to community planning and statutory land make submissions on planning and the minister for local government use planning to ensure development and policy issues. For example, the South nn transport infrastructure meets community Australian city of Marion has an online South Australia has a minister’s needs and aspirations for environmental mapping system with information about state/local government forum sustainability and wellbeing. The Northern services. In Victoria, all councils have which provides advice to the Territory, Queensland and South Australia their own websites, but also participate state government and the local have made special provision for councils in a Victorian portal called EasyBiz, government association serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait which contains online forms for various nn Tasmania has a local government Islander communities. These are known local government services such as council chaired by the state premier as ‘land councils’ and are recognised as licences, permits and registrations. In the nn All states engage with regional local governing bodies for the purposes Northern Territory councils have provided organisations of councils, which are of federal funding, and many participate a range of online mechanisms to enable voluntary groupings that involve in state or territory local government constituents to make payments, and to collaborative partnerships between associations. Normally, these land facilitate other web-based interactions. neighbouring councils in a particular councils do not levy rates based on land- region or area. rate systems, but instead receive revenue from mining projects and other federal and state government grant programmes.

8 www.clgf.org.uk/australia COUNTRY PROFILE 2017–18 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN Australia

Table 2.2a Income and expenditure for local government 2015–16 9.2 Locally raised revenue

2015–16 2015–16 State and territory governments deliver Revenue by purpose (AU$m) Expenditure by purpose (AU$m) the legislative and policy frameworks under which local governments operate. Centre–local transfers General public services 6,017 These frameworks influence the abilities of local governments to raise revenue Current grants and subsidies 3,519 Public order safety 861 through rates and user charges. In 2016, Education 191 local authorities raised 91.6% of their own funds; however this proportion Locally raised revenue Health 422 varies considerably from state to state and between larger urban and smaller Taxation revenue 16,620 Social security and welfare 1,745 rural authorities. The biggest single Sales of goods and services 11,559 Housing and community 8,284 component of local government revenue amenities is rates levied on property owners, based on a valuation of the property. The Interest income 795 Recreation and culture 5,589 relevant state or territory government Other 9,627 Fuel and energy 18 legislation sets out a framework within which local governments can levy rates. Agriculture, forestry and fishing 32 In most jurisdictions local governments have a reasonable degree of discretion as Mining, manufacturing and 364 to the rates they set; however in Victoria construction and New South Wales council-proposed Transport and communications 7,355 rate increases cannot exceed caps set by the state government. Councils can Other economic affairs 1,247 also charge levies for services provided such as water supply, sewerage services Public debit transactions 802 and garbage collection. Some other Other 1,412 council services involve a user fee, such as dog registrations, public swimming, Total 42,120 TOTAL 34,339 rubbish tip charges, and council hall hire. Local governments in urban areas are Source: DIRDC communication with CLGF predominantly funded from their own sources of revenue, particularly rates, 7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS reviews and annual reports. In some fees and charges. For most rural and The primary forum for intergovernmental cases an updated corporate plan and remote councils, grants are a substantial relations in Australia is the Council draft budget must be publicly exhibited source of their revenue. Most recently, of Australian Governments2.7 (COAG), and submissions considered before the Victorian Government introduced a which comprises the prime minister, either is adopted. Nearly all states have policy of rate pegging that determines state premiers, territory chief ministers, systems of performance indicators or the maximum percentage amount by and the president of the Australian comparative data for council services, which a council may raise its rates. Local Government Association which are published annually. States and (ALGA). COAG initiates, develops and territories have their own ombudsmen 9.2.1 Participatory budgeting:. Local implements national policy reforms and anti-corruption tribunals which can governments in Australia have started requiring cooperative action between investigate council irregularities. Local using participatory budgeting processes the Australian, state/territory and local governments are also subject to the to get citizen informed recommendations governments in economic, national Australian Government Competition on budget decisions. Generally these security, social and environmental and Consumer Act 2010 and can draw on the citizen jury format. The areas. In 2006, an intergovernmental be investigated by the Australian group’s discussions are informed by agreement (IGA) establishing principles Competition and Consumer Commission evidence provided by the council and/ guiding intergovernmental relations on and equivalent state and territory bodies. or community submissions. Examples local government matters was signed include the City of Melbourne citizen by the Australian government, all state 9. FINANCE, STAFFING AND RESOURCES jurors who were given access to the City’s and territory governments and ALGA. 9.1 Local government expenditure forward budgeting and strategies, while The IGA establishes a framework within In 2015–16 local government expenditure in the City of Darebin community groups which services are to be funded and was 5.7% of total government expenditure, proposed over 35 projects, which were delivered to the community at the down from 8.4% in 2012/13, see table 2.2b. prioritised for funding by the jury. local level. Its key feature is in-principle agreement between governments that whenever responsibility is devolved to Table 2.2b Local government expenditure local government, local government will as a percentage of total government expenditure 2013–2017 be consulted and the financial and other impacts taken into account. The IGA was 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 actual actual actual estimated budgeted reviewed in 2011. (AU$bn) (AU$bn) (AU$bn) (AU$bn) (AU$bn)

8. MONITORING SYSTEMS Total government expenditure na na na 600.8 na Councils are subject to extensive scrutiny Total local government expenditure na na na 34.3 na of their operations by state and territory governments and the community. Local government expenditure as Typically, councils are required to a percentage of total government 8.4% na na 5.7% na prepare and publish detailed corporate expenditure and management plans, quarterly Source: Table 2.2.a and budget aggregates Australian government.2.9a

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The City of Canada Bay Council opened 9.4 Loans is Mackay Regional Council which has the entire council budget to citizen In Australia, local government rolled out smart metering across its review and council agreed to accept borrowing arrangements differ full water meter fleet. The information their recommendations. The Council, between jurisdictions and are subject collected is being used to drive in metropolitan , went well to state and territory government efficiencies, improve operations and beyond the model of opening the policy and legislative frameworks. transform interactions with customers. process to any interested citizens. It Some jurisdictions have implemented The project has deferred $100 million engaged a mini-public forum using a borrowing facilities to provide local in capital expenditure and reduced the deliberative approach, with the final governments within their jurisdiction forward price path of water to $500 per recommendations developed through with a cheaper source of funding. annum per customer. Another example dialogue and deliberation rather than is the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire aggregating preferences through a vote. Council which has implemented smart 9.5 Local authority staff Australia pioneered and piloted attempts lighting and CCTV to improve public at gender budgeting from 1984 onwards, Local government staff are recruited and safety and lighting. The solution installed in response to calls from women’s rights paid by the local government; national LED smart lights with Adaptive Control activists. Today, local governments government staff are not deployed to and CCTV on new poles. This technology continue to integrate their consideration local government. By law, local councils has reduced the incidence of graffiti and of gender equity issues into their every-day are required to have a chief executive is improving the liveability of the town. provision of local government services and officer or a general manager as the head infrastructure policies and programmes. of the employed council. Allowances and reimbursements paid to councillors are Three further examples of innovation and also paid directly by the local government. good practice include the Visit Golden 9.3 Transfers In Queensland salaries are paid to Plains Shire Council’s Smartphone The Australian government provides councillors, again directly by the local application that features an interactive substantial financial assistance to councils, government. In New South Wales, Victoria map of the region, including helpful through untied grants known as the and Queensland independent tribunals visitor information and landmark Financial Assistance Grant Program and set allowances for mayors and councillors. images all designed to assist tourists specific-purpose payments. The grants are in accessing information to find and the largest of these transfers, amounting enjoy the attractions and facilities using to about AU$2.4bn annually. They are 10. DISTRIBUTION OF SERVICE smartphone, iPad or android tablet. The made under the Australian Government DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY Hills Shire Council is providing online Local Government (Financial Assistance) 10.1 Overview of local government tools to make it easier for local residents Act 1995, and are directed through service delivery responsibility to comply with planning and building the states and territories. The Financial Although there are variations between regulations and ultimately speeding up Assistance Grant Program amounts to the states and territories, councils approval times. Through this work, the about 10% of total local government typically have statutory responsibility Hills Shire Council is providing an online revenue nationally, but make up in excess for local infrastructure, health, water tool that helps its residents comply of half the revenue of some small and and sewerage amenities, community by giving them real time evaluation remote councils. The aggregate Financial services including childcare, aged care, as they interactively design the layout Assistance Grant allocation for 2017–18 was recreation, cultural and educational of their property. The approximately AU$2.4bn. Funding under establishments and commercial has developed a modern, easy to use the Financial Assistance Grant Program establishments including parking, and efficient geospatial application is allocated to the states and territories aerodromes, cemeteries and quarries. which assists in monitoring, tracking on a per capita basis. Local government Members of the public pay for local and maintaining council assets. The grants commissions in each jurisdiction government services either indirectly application dubbed “BAM!” (Burnside then determine the distribution to through , or directly through fees for Asset Mapper) is cross platform councils, based on the national principles individual usage. Waste collection, local compatible and can be used on most formulated under the Local Government road maintenance, local libraries and modern devices including Windows, (Financial Assistance) Act 1995. These parks are typically funded through taxes Android and iOS operating systems principles aim to provide a nationally received by councils. Services that usually consistent basis for distributing financial require direct payment include building 10.3 The role of local government assistance grants to local government. development applications, access to in achieving the UN Sustainable They include horizontal equalisation, council-owned swimming pools or Development Goals (SDGs) which seeks to equalise the capacity of registration of a pet. Where individuals Australia will present its first Voluntary councils to provide the average range, level pay directly, councils provide concessions National Review (VNR) on its progress and quality of services, taking account of to low-income residents and seniors. towards the 2030 Agenda at the UN differences in the expenditure between High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July council areas to provide average services, 2018. This will be used to share Australian as well as each council’s capacity to raise 10.2 ICT use in service delivery experience and lessons learnt in areas revenue. Generally, councils outside major There are many examples of councils of global significance, highlighting in urban centres with smaller populations using ICT to improve service delivery. Of particular the country’s contribution to and limited capacity to raise their own particular note is Brisbane City Council development and economic growth in revenue will receive a greater share of who, along the with Queensland Police, the Asia-Pacific region. They will also the grants. The other principles include kept people informed of developments showcase the many domestic initiatives financial assistance being allocated during the January 2011 floods via Twitter which are contributing to Australia’s to councils in a way which recognises feeds and a Facebook page. Councils prosperity and progress towards the the needs of Aboriginal peoples and are exploring the benefits of new 2030 Agenda.2.10a Advocacy for the Torres Strait Islanders. Specific-purpose technologies including: CCTV; advanced Sustainable Development Goals links payments and funding from other business analytics; drones; smart meters; the country in a global partnership to national government programmes are for sensors and the Internet of Things; asset support the achievement of the goals in specified projects or activities that councils management, such as vehicle tracking; all countries.2.10b commit to undertake. and smart lighting. An example of this

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Australia is ensuring a coordinated c7ca257616000a3571/32807739daf 2.4g Victoria election commission whole-of government approach to how b424aca2578db001b8014/$file/89-­ www.vec.vic.gov.au it gives effect to the 2030 Agenda, and 11aa109a%20authorised.pdf 2.4h Western Australia election how it reports on progress. In general 2.2h Western Australia: Local commission Australia’s local governments support Government Act 1995 www.slp. www.elections.wa.gov.au the needs of their local communities wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/ 2.5 No reference for this section with services like waste collection, main_mrtitle_551_homepage.html public recreation facilities, town 2.6a Australian Local Government 2.2i ‘Smart Cities Plan Department Association www.alga.asn.au planning, local road maintenance, and of Infrastructure, Regional 2.6b New South Wales Local public libraries. Many of these services Development and Cities www. Government and Shires contribute to the achievement of the pmc.gov.au/cities/smart-cities-plan. UN Sustainable Development Goals. For Associations of New South Wales 2.3a Population and Housing 2016 instance, in undertaking town planning, www.lgsa.org.au Census www.censusdata.abs.gov. local governments contribute to the 2.6c Municipal Association of Victoria au/census_services/getproduct/ objectives of Goal 11 to make cities and www.mav.asn.au census/2016/quickstat communities more sustainable. Some 2.6d Local Government Association of 2.3b Department of Infrastructure, individual councils have individually Queensland www.lgaq.asn.au Regional Development and Cities endorsed the SDGs. For example, Port www.regional.gov.au/local 2.6e Western Australian Local Philip council endorse, on behalf of Government Association 2.3c New South Wales Office of Local their community a commitment on www.walga.asn.au Government www.olg.nsw.gov.au Implementation of the SDGs in Australia. 2.6f Local Government Association of 2.3d Victoria Department of The Australian Government is working South Australia www.lga.sa.gov.au with the Australian Local Government Environment, Land, Water and 2.6g Local Government Association of Association to showcase and promote Planning Tasmania www.lgat.tas.gov.au local governments’ contributions to www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au the achievement of the Sustainable 2.3e Queensland Department of 2.6h Local Government Association of Development Goals. Infrastructure, Local Government the Northern Territory and Planning http://www.dilgp.qld. www.lgant.asn.au gov.au/local-government/index.php 2.7 Council of Australian Governments REFERENCES AND USEFUL WEBSITES 2.3f Western Australia Department www.coag.gov.au 2.1a Government of Australia of Local Government, Sport and 2.8 No reference for this section www.gov.au Cultural Industries https://www. 2.9a Taking the figure of AU$32.2 billon 2.1b Women in national parliaments. dlgc.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx from table 2a and 382.6 billion from Inter-Parliamentary Union 2.3g South Australia Department Table 1: Australian Government www.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm of Planning, Transport and general government sector budget 2.2a Constitution of Australia www.aph. Infrastructure, Office of Local aggregate from budget statements gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/ Government 2014/5, 2015/16 and 2016/17 http:// Powers_practice_n_procedures/ www.dpti.sa.gov.au/local_govt budget.gov.au/2013-14/content/fbo/ download/Consolidated.pdf Constitution 2.3h Tasmania Department of Premier 2.2b New South Wales: Local and Cabinet, Local Government 2.9b Budget 2017-18 Government Government Act 1993 Division www.dpac.tas.gov.au/ of Australia www.budget.gov. www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/ divisions/local_government au/2017-18/content/glossies/ overview/download/Budget2017- inforce/ca7de0d2-0087-6c91- 2.3i Australian Capital Territory, 18-Overview.pdf bdba-892f060e8ed8/1993-30.pdf Territory and Municipal Services 2.2c Northern Territory: Local www.tams.act.gov.au 2.10a DFAT 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development http://dfat.gov.au/aid/ Government Act 2017 2.3j Northern Territory Department topics/development-issues/2030- https://dhcd.nt.gov.au/ of Housing and Community agenda/Pages/default.aspx publications-and-policies/local- Development government-legislation https://dhcd.nt.gov.au/homepage 2.10b Port Philip council report on 2.2d Queensland: Local Government 2.4a Australia election commission the Sustainable Development Act 2009 www.legislation.qld. www.aec.gov.au Goals www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/ UN_Sustainable_Development_ gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/L/ 2.4b New South Wales election Goals_2015_Report.pdf LocalGovA09.pdf commission 2.2e South Australia: Local Government www.elections.nsw.gov.au 2.11a UN statistics surface area http:// unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/ Act 1999 www.legislation.sa.gov.au/ 2.4c Northern Territory election products/dyb/dyb2006/Table03.pdf LZ/C/A/Local%20Government%20 commission www.ntec.nt.gov.au Act%201999.aspx 2.11b Commonwealth Local Government 2.4d Queensland election commission 2.2f Tasmania: Local Government Act 1993 Knowledge Hub www.clgf.org.uk/ www.ecq.qld.gov.au www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/ resource-centre/knowledge-hub 2.4e South Australia election html/inforce/current/act-1993-095 2.11c UNDP HDR Australia country commission www.ecsa.sa.gov.au 2.2g Victoria: Local Government Act profile http://hdr.undp.org/en/ 1989 www.legislation.vic.gov.au/ 2.4f Tasmania election commission countries/profiles/AUS domino/web_notes/ldms/ltobject_ www.electoral.tas.gov.au store/ltobjst6.nsf/dde300b846eed9

www.clgf.org.uk/australia 11 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN Australia COUNTRY PROFILE 2017–18

Annex 2a Summary of service provision in different spheres of government in Australia

Delivering authority

Services National State Local Remarks GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Police n n Fire protection n n The Australian Federal Police deals with federal and international Civil protection n matters. Each state has is own police force. The fire service is a state responsibility, but local government takes Criminal justice n responsibility for voluntary services Civil status register n The Australian Election Commission deals with federal government Statistical office n n elections. States deal with their own and those of local authorities Electoral register n n EDUCATION Pre-school (kindergarten and nursery) n Primary n Secondary n States have primary responsibility for education, but federal government provides substantial funding Vocational and technical n Tertiary education institutions come under the federal government and Higher education n n the states Adult education n n Other SOCIAL WELFARE Family welfare services n n n Welfare homes n Income support is provided by federal government Social security n PUBLIC HEALTH Primary care n n n Health standards are set at various levels of government (eg food safety) Hospitals n is covered by local government, whilst immunisation may be covered by federal government) Health protection n HOUSING AND TOWN PLANNING Housing n Town planning n Regional planning n n n TRANSPORT Roads n n n Transport n n All spheres of government are responsible for roads Urban roads n n n Local governments own regional aerodromes, but they are governed by Urban rail n n Ports n Airports n ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SANITATION Water and sanitation n n Refuse collection and disposal n n Cemeteries and crematoria n Slaughter-houses n Environmental protection n n n All spheres of government are involved with environmental protection Consumer protection n CULTURE, LEISURE AND SPORTS Theatres and concerts n Museums and libraries n Parks and open spaces n Sports and leisure n Religious facilities n UTILITIES Gas services n District heating n Many utilities are the responsibility of the state: local government is Water supply n n responsible for water in some states. Electricity n ECONOMIC Agriculture, forests and fisheries n n n Local economic development/promotion n All spheres of government participate in economic development Trade and industry n Tourism n n n

n sole responsibility service n joint responsibility service n discretionary service

12 www.clgf.org.uk/australia