FAQs

We can provide you with a hard copy or alternative format version of the survey if: 

• you are unable to access a computer, smartphone or tablet to complete the online survey;
• you have a disability or use assistive technology which requires your survey in a certain font or format; or
• you represent an interest group or peak body and would like to respond to the survey questions in an email submission.

For assistance, please call the Project Team on (08) 7133 3277 or email at DIT.LocalGovernmentReform@sa.gov.au

Should you require assistance in completing the survey, our team will also help you identify someone who can assist or can take you through the survey and submit your responses on your behalf over the phone.

In 2019, more than 250 respondents provided over 720 ideas for Local Government Reform, with feedback published in the Local Government Reform Program 2019 - List of Ideas Generated from Public Consultation.

The Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government regularly meet with community members, councils and other interested parties who share their ideas. 

All feedback has been taken into consideration in the formulation of the current Local Government Participation and Elections Review Discussion Paper and survey questions.

When this consultation is completed on 1 March 2024, Minister Brock will consider all of the feedback provided to determine what changes might need to be made to local government legislation. 

Minister Brock intends to introduce a Bill into Parliament in mid-2024 so that Parliament can consider proposed legislative changes well before the next council elections in 2026.

Currently, the ways in which councils are required to engage with their communities are listed in the Local Government Act. However, the Act has been changed to replace the current 'one size fits all' requirements with a new Community Engagement Charter. This change will take place when the Charter is developed, which is why we are seeking your views now. 

We've asked questions about a proposed Charter in the survey and encourage you to share your comments and ideas by completing the survey.

Many councils choose to livestream their meetings to encourage participation, particularly, after the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, it is not required – other councils may record their meetings and put the recording online, particularly if they do not have technology that supports livestreaming, or simply publish minutes online, as all councils are required to do.

Do you think there should be ongoing access to council meetings online – either to view or participate? You can share your ideas and feedback by completing the survey.

The only states that have voluntary voting are South Australia and Western Australia. For more information on this question, please read the Local Government Participation and Elections Review Discussion Paper, but here's a summary:

• Queensland – voting is compulsory and done in person or via postal voting;
• Victoria – voting is compulsory if the person is enrolled for state elections and done in person or via postal voting;
• Tasmania – voting is compulsory if the person is enrolled for state elections and done via postal voting only; and
• New South Wales – voting is compulsory if the person is a resident of the state and done in person only.

Do you think you, or others, should vote in council elections? Do you have other ideas about how to conduct elections? Please complete the survey to provide your feedback.

People often ask why they can't vote online for their council, particularly now that so many transactions, including government processes, are conducted online.

However, Australia is not yet in a position to introduce any large-scale system of online voting without seriously compromising the integrity of our elections.

For more information about what it will take for online voting to be introduced, please see the Local Government Participation and Elections Review Discussion Paper. 

You can provide your ideas or feedback about voting methods in the survey.