South Australians with disabilities – Get Involved

A number of South Australians with disabilities have served in public offices both on local Councils and in the SA Parliament. A survey by Professor Dean Jaensch undertaken in about 2004 showed more than 10% of 365 respondent Council Members indicated they had some form of disability and of those 83% were satisfied with the support provided to them by their Council.

If you are an Australian Citizen, on the electoral roll and turn 18 on or before 7 November, 2014, then you can nominate for your local Council.

If you have a disability, talk to your Council about the sorts of supports available, including allowances, which could be available to support you if you were to stand and be elected.

If you support other family members – including people with disabilities – you can also claim costs for care while you attend official functions. The attached information sheets provide more information.

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Local Government - Councils at Work

Local Government Councils are one of the three spheres of government in Australia, the others being State and Commonwealth governments. Councils are often referred to as being at the “grass roots” and are well placed to know about the needs and priorities in the local community and to enhance the local environment and quality of life.

Council Members are elected at Council elections every four years by voluntary secret postal ballot, conducted by the Electoral Commissioner of South Australia. Anyone who is over 18 years old and living in, owning or leasing property in a Council area is eligible to be on the Council voters roll and to vote.

Generally, anyone who is an Australian citizen and enrolled to vote can nominate as a candidate. The head of the elected Council is either the Mayor, if elected “at large” by all voters in the area, or Chairperson, if chosen by Councillors after the election.

Councils primarily operate within the legal framework of the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. Councils also deal with other laws, for example, laws regulating building and development, keeping pets and animals, parking and traffic, and public health and safety. They are also accountable with State laws against fraud and corruption applying and subject to oversight by police, the Ombudsman and the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

There are 68 Councils in South Australia, varying in geographic size, location (metropolitan and country areas) physical character and population. However, no matter what size or where a Council is, its responsibilities include: representing people in the community, preparing strategic and financial plans, and making

decisions about what sort of place the area will be into the future; providing services and facilities for the well-being of people who live, work and do business in

the area, striking a balance between social, environmental and economic priorities; and consulting with communities and other spheres of government on local needs.

Councils' revenue comes primarily from rates, although they also receive some of their funding through State and Commonwealth grant programs. Councils engage with their communities to help inform their decisions about plans for the area. Services vary from one area to another depending on the priority needs of the area and the resources/funding available.

The people who get elected to the Council will help decide what happens locally now and into the future.

Candidates standing for election to the Council have a variety of views about what should happen in the local community. Anyone can contact the candidates and talk to them about what they want for the area and why they want to be elected. Information about candidates will be made available at www.lga.sa.gov.au/lgcandidates and in booklets provided with voting papers. Voters may decide that some candidates will be better at representing them than others and choose to vote for the person with similar views.

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Info Sheet 1

Nominating to become a member of a Local Government Council is an important decision. If elected, you will take up a community leadership role. This will involve influencing decisions about planning and setting priorities for local services such as: Libraries Environment and land management Sport and recreation Community and aged care services Community Transport Economic Development Youth activities Tourism Community services

Here is how a Council works At Council meetings, Council Members decide on Council plans and policies and what local services

will be provided.

Individual Council Members do not have authority to make decisions on behalf of the Council – it is the elected Council as a whole that has this decision-making power.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all staffing issues, implementing Council policies and decisions and the daily operations of a Council.

Councils may form committees of their Council Members and Council staff to deal with some tasks, such as work related to development, finance and recreation.

Councils may also invite members of the community to be involved in Council committees.

When major planning decisions or changes in the community are being considered Councils will consult with the community before they make decisions.

Minutes of meetings are prepared, as well as reports about the management of Council affairs such as Annual Reports. These records are available to the public.

Anyone can attend Council meetings to listen to what is talked about and the decisions that are made.

If you are interested in nominating as a candidate you are encouraged to go along to your local Council meetings to hear what issues are being considered and to check out how your Council works.

Interested in finding out more about Nominating as a Candidate?The Local Government 2010 Elections Information Sheet Series comprises four Info Sheets which are available for download at www.lga.sa.gov.au

Info Sheet 1: Local Government – Councils at Work Info Sheet 2: Interested in taking up a role as Council Member? Info Sheet 3: On the campaign trail Info Sheet 4: Where to go for more information

For further information about Council elections in your area, contact your local Council.

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Info Sheet 1

Interested in taking up a role as a Council member?

Council members play a vital role in local community leadership. If elected, you will be contributing your thoughts and ideas within a decision-making body that: decides on strategic and financial plans for the local area; ensures Council resources are used fairly for the benefit of the community; talks to local people about their views and ideas for the area; and lets others know in the community, regionally and in State and Commonwealth Government

agencies, about key local issues.

Generally, anyone who is over 18 years old, an Australian citizen and on the voters roll can stand as a candidate in Local Government elections.

Once elected, your role as a Councillor will involve: attending and participating in Council meetings, using formal meeting rules; understanding reports, including financial, environmental and social issues reports; presenting your arguments and debating with other Councillors; and keeping in touch with people in your area and speaking at community events.

You will need lots of energy and courage to try new things, and be prepared to keep in touch with the local community – you will be a “community voice”. At the same time you will need to think about balancing other commitments, such as work and looking after your family. But, despite the extra work and time commitment, most councillors find the role fulfilling.

Are you ready to take on the role of a Council Member?The checklist overleaf is a guide to assist you in making the decision about whether or not to stand as a candidate. 1

Past experiences have shown that people from diverse cultural backgrounds and age groups often bring fresh outlooks and new ideas to Councils, which helps to inform a more responsive approach to decision making.

Training and support is provided to newly-elected Council Members to help them find their way around the business of Local Government and new skills will be developed over time. There are many people, including more experienced Council Members, who will assist you in becoming familiar with your new role as a Council Member.

Allowances and fees Council Members are entitled to receive an annual allowance, the amount varying from Council to Council, depending on the size and location of the area, the population and the revenue base. Council Member Allowances are set for all Councils by the independent Remuneration Tribunal.

Some expenses may also be reimbursed, for example, telephone and travelling costs, fees for child care or care of other relatives, so that a Council Member can attend Council meetings. You can check with your local Council to find out more information about allowances and fees.

1

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Info Sheet 2

√ I am prepared to …Promote a positive image and profile of Council

Inform myself about community needs and concerns and advocate at Council

Represent a broad view of electors not just a sectional/ward view

Network with clubs, community, business and service groups to seek feedback when needed

Participate effectively in strategic planning and policy development

√ I have the skills to……Engage with all members of the community in a non-discriminatory way

Read and understand agendas and reports so I can prepare for meetingsUse computers to download, print, save and edit documents, use email and access internet sites

Communicate effectively, negotiate, explain and discuss issues

Research and evaluate community issues and concerns

√ I understand…The demographic profile of the Council area and relevant issuesThe social, environmental and economic issues facing my community in the short and long term

There are statutory responsibilities I will have to observeCouncil Members have no individual authority to act or make decisions

Decisions cannot be made at informal gatherings, only at formal Council meetings

There are conflict of interest provisions and codes of conduct to observe

It is expected that Council Members will conduct themselves with integrity, honesty and fairness and treat people with respect at all times

How to read and interpret budgets and other financial statements or am prepared to seek additional information or training if required

Rates are a key income source for Council and I understand the Council rating systemThe role of Local Government and its relationship with State and Commonwealth Government

If you have ticked most of the boxes you probably have what it takes to be a Council Member. If you are interested, the next step is to get “On the campaign trail” - Info Sheet 3 in this series.

The Local Government 2014 Elections Information Sheet Series comprises four Info Sheets whichare available for download at www.lga.sa.gov.au.

Info Sheet 1: Local Government - Councils at WorkInfo Sheet 2: Interested in taking up a role as a Council Member?Info Sheet 3: On the campaign trailInfo Sheet 4: Where to go for more information

For further information about Council elections in your area, contact your local Council.

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Info Sheet 2

On the campaign trailSo you've decided you want to be on Council. Your first step is to think about and plan your election campaign. It's useful to be prepared before nominations open on 2 September 2014. On your nomination form, don’t forget to include your email address.

After nominations close (16 September 2014 at 12 noon), check with your Council who you are up against. If there are no more candidates than vacancies, then you will automatically be elected, so you will not need to put any energy into a campaign.

If you do need a campaign, here are a few basics you will need to get you started.

Understand how the election is run, how votes are counted, who your opposition is and how many votes you are likely to need to be elected. Reports on previous elections might help you with this – see http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/pastresults, along with ECSA vote counting information - see http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/voting/voting-systems/proportional-representation;

Get to know the local issues and the profile of those people in the area. Maps, population data, current strategic plans and annual reports are available from the Council.

Listen to people about local concerns. Check local papers. Decide what issues you will campaign on.

Are there any high profile people who might help or endorse you as a candidate?

Who can you ask to manage or help you plan and run your campaign? A Step-by Step Checklist is included overleaf.

Be clear about what you stand for and the message you want to convey. A catchy slogan may help to capture the attention of voters.

Your campaign should match the strength of other candidates' campaigns, the time you have and how many people you have on your team, the size of the area and the resources available.

Here are a few tips for delivering your message.

Contact people you know can be ambassadors for you by phone, letter or email.

Prepare a brochure and poster to promote yourself and what you stand for. Place signs in public places but check with Council for permission first and check legal requirements.

Door knock and letterbox areas where you might gain most impact. Include new housing developments and retirement villages.

Visit and talk to people at sporting grounds, shopping centres and meeting places. Include places where cultural groups, young people and families gather.

Use the local press. Offer interviews, press releases and consider paid advertisements.

Create a website. Many people communicate today via texts, facebook, blogs and twitter. If you included your email address on your nomination form, then the LGA will be offering you the chance for voters to find your website through a central Local Government elections home page.

Remember – there are some campaign offences of which you must be aware. Check out the Electoral Commission of SA Candidates Handbook included in the Nomination Kit for candidates in Local Government elections, available from your local Council.

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Info Sheet 3

Step-by-step checklist to plan your campaign

Plan your campaign around the key dates on the 2014 election timetable

Voters Roll closes Friday 8 August 2014

Candidate Nominations Open Tuesday 2 September 2014

Candidate Nominations Close Tuesday 16 September 2014 at 12.00pm

Mail out of ballot packs Monday 20 to Friday 24 October 2014

Close of Voting Friday 7 November 2014 before 5.00pm(Please note: ballot papers must be posted so they are received before 5.00pm)

√ Steps to take and what to considerCheck the key dates relevant to Council elections, above.You must be on the voters roll by 8 August 2014 to nominate as a candidate.

Identify your key message to prompt people to vote for you and include in your candidate profile.

Research the “few basics” listed overleaf to get you started.

Recruit supporters to be part of your campaign team. You need people you can easily work with, who can plan and organise, write brochures and articles and know about networking.

Decide if you want to have a scrutineer at the vote count.

Identify contacts and copy deadlines for local media. Remember, Letters to the Editor are free and if published will get your policy positions and views into the public arena.

Prepare a budget for your campaign. Canvas options for donations, and support with fundraising events. Costs can include photos, printing, postage, advertisements, telephone and fax.

Write a campaign plan; who will do what, when and how much will it cost?

Ask supporters to critique your promotional material, and ensure it complies with election laws.

Decide how you will communicate with potential voters. Look for free promotion options; speak at local clubs and community groups. On timing, consider that many people vote as soon as packs arrive, others leave it to the last week.

Get on with it! Run your campaign and GOOD LUCK.

More information about running a campaign is available to candidates - refer Info Sheet 4 in this series.

The Local Government 2014 Elections Information Sheet Series comprises four Info Sheets which are available at www.lga.sa.gov.au

Info Sheet 1 Local Government – Councils at Work Info Sheet 2 Interested in taking up a role as Council Member? Info Sheet 3 On the campaign trail Info Sheet 4 Where to go for more information

For information about Council elections in your area, contact your local Council.

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Info Sheet 3

Local Government – Where to go for more information

The Local Government 2014 Elections Information Sheet Series has been prepared to foster interest in nominating as a candidate in the 2014 Local Government elections.

The Info Sheets are: Info Sheet 1: Local Government – Councils at Work Info Sheet 2: Interested in taking on the role of a Council Member? Info Sheet 3: On the Campaign Trail Info Sheet 4: Where to go for more information

This Info Sheet 4 provides a list of resources and references to assist candidates in the lead up to the elections in November 2014.

Local Government – the legislative framework Local Government Act 1999 Local Government (Elections) Act 1999These and other SA Government legislation is available via www.legislation.sa.gov.au

Rules for Candidates – a candidate's “must read”Council Elections Candidate Handbook: Electoral Commission of SA This publication explains the eligibility criteria, rules for nominating as a candidate, candidate profile, electoral material, campaigning, donations and post-election returns. A copy is provided as part of the nomination pack by the Returning Officer. The handbook will be available electronically after 22 August:http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/parties-and-candidates/council-candidates

General publications for Candidates So you want to be on Council – A guide for anyone considering nominating for election to their local

Council: Local Government Association of SA. An introduction to Local Government, legal issues for Council Members and an overview of the election process. See www.lga.sa.gov.au/nominate;

Council Members’ Guide: Local Government Association of SAA reference tool for newly elected Council Members which contains information about the day-to-day administration at the Council. Available in October 2014

Your local Council Councils have a range of information and resources for candidates undertaking research for their

campaign. A list of Councils and their contact details can be found here: http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/councils;

General Contacts

Local Government Association of SA148 Frome StreetGPO Box 2693Adelaide SA 5001Telephone: 8224 2000www.lga.sa.gov.au

Electoral Commission of SALevel 6/60 Light SquareGPO Box 646Adelaide SA 5001Telephone: 7424 7400www.ecsa.sa.gov.au

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Info Sheet 4