There are 3 kinds of government in Australia:
Federal government (also called the Commonwealth Government)
It decides on matters that affect the whole country.
The leader is the Prime Minister.
Examples of responsibilities include:
- telecommunications
- postal services
- foreign affairs
- immigration
- pensions
- customs
- defence
- trade.
State government
It decides on matters that affect each state (is called the Territory Government in the Northern Territory and the ACT).
The leader is the Premier (states)/ Chief Minister (territories).
Examples of responsibilities include:
- public hospitals
- conservation
- main roads
- emergency services
- education
- railways.
Local government
Each individual local authority area is governed by a council.
Each council plays an important role in improving the liveability of its communities by providing a range of important services and facilities.
The leader is the Mayor.
Examples of responsibilities include:
- community facilities
- libraries
- parks
- sewerage
- waste disposal
- animal control
- planning
- local roads
- building approvals.
The federal and state governments are established under the Australian Constitution. Councils are set up by state legislation. In Queensland, their powers come mainly from the Local Government Act, which is administered by the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Local Government.
Traditionally, councils have provided services such as roads, water supply and sewerage. More and more they are becoming involved in the social, economic and cultural development of their communities, and in improving local living environments.
Roads, parks and public works
Councils provide important infrastructure:
- building new roads and bridges
- controlling traffic flow
- providing and maintaining car parks
- building and maintaining community/neighbourhood centres and other public facilities
- caring for parks and gardens.
Water and sewerage
- Councils collect and treat sewerage and trade waste from industries.
- Councils care for the local water supply by:
- storing and treating water for drinking
- piping water to homes, businesses and factories
- removing stormwater through drains.
Flood control
Councils reduce the risk of flood damage by:
- building drainage systems
- constructing levee banks
- controlling development on flood plains.
Environmental protection
Councils are responsible for regulating activities that affect the quality of the environment.
Land use
Councils control and regulate how land is used in their area.
They decide:
- where commercial development takes place
- where housing developments should go
- what areas are protected as bushland and reserves
- how many buildings can go in a certain area.
Waste disposal
Our communities generate large amounts of waste.
Councils:
- arrange for waste to be collected and recycled
- operate tips and landfills
- clean streets, footpaths, parks and other public areas.
Control of declared pests and noxious weeds
Councils play an active part in controlling declared pests and noxious weeds.
Community development
Councils work with their communities to provide a wide range of services, including community and neighbourhood centres and activities for people of all ages.
They also work in partnership with other levels of government and not-for-profit groups through programs designed to enhance community wellbeing.
Recreation and cultural development
Some councils support arts activities, festivals and other special events.
Many councils provide:
- libraries and art galleries
- community events
- public spaces for community use
- entertainment centres
- parks and sporting facilities
- swimming pools and tennis courts
- boating facilities
- sports centres.
Public health and safety
Councils help keep their communities healthy by:
- controlling mosquito breeding
- providing CCTV
- making sure public buildings are clean
- providing public toilets
- registering dogs and collecting stray animals
- running immunisation programs
- ensuring buildings are safe and well built.
Promoting economic growth
Councils also encourage and attract businesses and industry to establish in their area, which in turn creates jobs for local people
Chief Executive Officer
Every council employs a chief executive officer, who is the link between council and its employees.
Their job is to:
- provide executive leadership to the organisation
- implement council policies and decisions
- manage council operations
- keep councillors informed.
Other occupations
Councils are often the biggest employer in their respective communities.
Occupations include:
- planners and engineers
- accountants and clerical officers
- road workers and gardeners
- environment and health officers
- librarians and gallery workers
- laboratory technicians
- computer programmers
- animal management officers.
There are 5 main ways in which councils raise money to fund their facilities and services.
Rates
This is a form of general taxation by which revenue is raised, based on valuations of land, to finance the general functions of council.
Utilities charges
These charges are usually consumer-based. In other words, they are charges paid for services received such as water, sewerage and rubbish collection.
Grants and subsidies
Councils receive money from state and federal governments. This may be through grants. On some occasions councils can decide how that money will be spent; on other occasions the grant is for a specific purpose. Councils also receive funding to help them meet some of the costs of providing infrastructure such as water supply and sewerage systems. Those subsidies usually represent a percentage of the cost of the project.
Administration fee
Some council services involve a fee, including dog registrations, building approvals and waste facility charges, to offset the cost.
Loans
Like individuals and businesses, councils often have to borrow money for major projects.
Councillors are elected to represent the interests of everyone in the community. Their role is to make decisions relating to facilities and services in their local area. They make local laws to help provide a safe and orderly community.
Councillors have regular meetings at which they make decisions and discuss local issues. Meetings are held at the council chambers.
The Mayor presides at council meetings and represents the council on formal occasions. As well as council meetings, Councillors attend committee meetings. Each committee deals with specific matters.
Members of the public can attend all council and committee meetings.
Electing your council
A council consists of a Mayor and Councillors. The people who live in each local government area choose who they want to be on their council. Local government elections in Queensland are held every 4 years.
Voting
As with state and federal elections, voting is compulsory at council elections.
Any person on the electoral roll must vote.
Who can stand for council?
Anyone can stand for election as a Councillor if they:
- are an Australian citizen on the electoral roll
- live in the area
- are not disqualified for specific reasons such as bankruptcy
Councils represent the interests of everyone in the community. It is important for councils to work together with their communities to decide what is needed locally.
Councils must consult their communities on local laws, as well as on their corporate plan, the document which sets the directions for what each local council is planning to do.
Councils also regularly engage with their communities on other matters that impact or may be of interest to them. Locals can have their say when their council asks for feedback. They can also attend council meetings, inspect public documents, and meet with their local Councillor. In the City of Logan, you can keep up to date on the latest engagement opportunities on our Have Your Say Logan website.
- Obtain a copy of Logan City Council’s corporate plan or annual report.
- Attend a council meeting.
- Speak to your local Councillor.
- Visit the Council website (You can find a wealth of information about Logan City Council on our website - Logan City Council)
- Check with your local library for books and publications.
Other resources