Councillors across Victoria are set to have their say on the key challenges and issues impacting the local government sector as part of the Victorian Local Governance Association’s (VLGA) Victorian Councillor Census.
Now in its second year, the Census captures and tracks councillor demographics, attitudes and the key challenges to local governance over time. To ensure consistency, and the anonymity of respondents, the VLGA has once again commissioned QDOS Research to collect the data.
VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt said the success of last year’s census had reinforced the important role it plays in influencing and leading important conversations across the Local Government sector.
She said the focus would once again be on addressing the opportunities and barriers for councillors, their motivations for standing and any issues or challenges impacting their role.
“Last year’s Census captured the views of more than 300 councillors across the state and shed light on the challenges they were facing,” Ms Arndt said.
“It addressed a significant information gap for the sector and provided great insights into how we can respond and be better placed to support and empower councillors to be successful in their roles.
“What we learned last year has helped to inform the VLGA’s sector advocacy and our program of work moving forward. It has also been used by government to inform policy and sector-related discussions focused on enhancing the outcomes councillors deliver for the communities they represent.”
Ms Arndt said one of the most significant findings of last year’s Census was the level of Incivility being experienced across the sector.
“We know councillors are facing increased hostility and intense scrutiny in their roles as elected representatives, both from the public, the media and within their own council groups,” she said.
“The Census provided us with tangible data to support what we had been hearing anecdotally from elected representatives for years. It led to robust conversations with other tiers of government and also helped inform our program of work so we can directly respond to the issue.
The VLGA is calling on the Victorian Government and other peak bodies to work with them to implement programs and systematic change to combat the incivilities experienced in the sector, particularly by women councillors.
It wants to expand its councillor advice and support hotline and introduce a dedicated Employee Assistance-like program for councillors.
“As the only organisation with a singular focus on supporting councillors and the people who work with them to change culture, improve conduct and demonstrate good local governance, we are best placed to continue this important work,” Ms Arndt said.
“Many councillors at VLGA member councils have expressed genuine concerns about the lack of supports available to them, particularly from a health and wellbeing perspective.
“A formal, dedicated and confidential hotline would ensure councillors can be provided with accurate advice by subject matter experts whenever they need it.
“Both Federal and State Government in Australia should be concerned that the results of the Census last year demonstrated that at a local level of government, many elected representatives have experienced and are experiencing trauma.
“The VLGA has invested heavily in enhancing support networks for councillors – both professionally and personally but it is an issue we can’t tackle alone. The VLGA is the Victorian Councillor support network. We have a strong track record of advocating for the needs of councillors. We know there needs to be a greater investment in councillor support programs, particularly from a health and wellbeing perspective. We saw last year the impact the Census had and how important it is to have the voice of councillors represented.”
Ms Arndt said the Association remained committed to working with the Victorian State Government and councils to improve culture in local government, ensuring councillors are supported and equipped with everything they need to deliver the best outcomes for the communities they represent.
“In addition, we want the working landscape for councillors to be one underpinned by good governance, effective leadership and respectful relationships. This is as much about culture as it is about policy,” she said.
The 2025 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census will be sent to councillors from October 6 and will be open for three weeks.
“Many councillors elected at the end of last year are new to local government. We are keen to hear from them and learn about their experience to date. We need to know if the issues experienced at the end of last term are still present and if there are any new or emerging trends.”
“Every councillor in Victoria will be contacted with a unique link to submit one entry only to the Census to protect response accuracy.
“In under 10 minutes you can help influence real and tangible change in the sector where it is needed most. We heard from more than 50 per cent of councillors in Victoria last year, so let’s break that record this year and hear from even more,” said Ms Arndt.
The Census is part of the VLGA’s continuing commitment to support councillors on their journey to be successful community representatives in their municipalities.
