How councils work
Councils make decisions at formal council meetings, where elected members debate and vote on matters affecting the community.
Decisions are guided by strategic plans, budgets and policies. Council staff then carry out these decisions and manage daily operations.
Council structure
Councils are made up of:
- the principal member: known as the mayor in SA elections who is elected by the community
- Councillors: they may be elected to the council as a whole or to a specific ward (a sub-area of a council area), elected by the community
- Council administration: led by the Chief Executive Officer and staff.
Elected members set direction and policy. Staff deliver services and run operations.
How to refer to councils
A council is the organisation that governs a local area. The term can refer to both the elected body and the organisation that delivers services.
The term ‘council member’ is used to refer to all members of the council including the mayor. Excluding the mayor, the members of a council are known as ‘councillors’ or ‘elected members.’
What mayors do
The Mayor is the principal spokesperson and civic leader for the council. They lead council meetings, represent the area at official events, and help guide strategic direction. Mayors are elected by voters or chosen by elected members, depending on the council.
Section 58 of the Local Government Act 1999 sets out the role of the Mayor. This includes:
- providing leadership and guidance to the council
- leading and promoting positive and constructive working relationships among council members
- providing guidance to council members on the performance of their roles, including on the exercise and performance of their official functions and duties
- supporting council members understanding of the separation of responsibilities between elected representatives and council employees
- presiding at meetings of council
- liaising with the CEO between council meetings on the implementation of council decisions
- acting as the principal spokesperson of the councils
- exercising other functions of the council as the council determines
- performing civic and ceremonial duties, as the office of principal member.
The Mayor has important working relationships with both the CEO and council members. The ability to support an effective team culture on council and build respectful working relationship with the CEO is invaluable in this role.
Mayors come from all backgrounds, and do not need to have previously served on council.
What council members do
Council members are elected to represent their community. They make decisions on plans, policies and budgets, and vote at council meetings. They listen to community views and help shape the future direction of the area.
Section 59 of the Local Government Act 1999 sets out the role of council members. This includes:
- acting with integrity
- ensuring positive and constructive working relationships within council
- recognising and supporting the role of the principal member under the Act
- developing skills relevant to the role of the council member and the functions of the council
- participating in the deliberations and activities of the council
- keeping the council’s objectives and policies under review to ensure they are appropriate and effective
- keeping the council’s resource allocation, expenditure, activities, and the efficiency and effectiveness of its service delivery under review
- ensuring, as far as practicable, that the principles set out in Section 8 (Local Government Act 1999) are observed
- participating in the oversight of the CEO’s performance (under the council’s contract with the CEO)
- serving the overall public interest.
Representing the community
Elected members represent the interests of their whole community, not just individual groups. They consider community feedback, local priorities and long-term impacts when making decisions.
Ways to stay informed include:
- researching state and national issues that may affect the area
- attending meetings of local organisations
- taking part in local activities
- meeting residents and businesses to understand their views
- monitoring the local media.
The difference between council members and council employees
The relationship between council members, the CEO, and council staff is very important.
Each has separate, but complementary roles:
- Council members make decisions and set the strategic direction of the council.
- The CEO (with support of council staff) advises council on the strategic direction, and performs tasks to achieve the council’s strategic policies and plans.
- Council staff are employees who provide professional advice and deliver services. Staff do not vote on council decisions and must remain politically neutral.
The role of the Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer leads the council administration.
The CEO manages staff, oversees daily operations, and ensures council decisions are carried out. They also provide professional advice to elected members.