ecm 661813 v6 2018 council election - make a difference ... · note: a companion powerpoint...

Presenters Guide

Make a difference – nominate for council 1

Foreword Welcome to the “Make a difference - Nominate for Council” Presenters Guide, developed to assist councils in planning and

delivering information seminars for potential

candidates in the 2018 council elections.

This guide outlines a suggested seminar program and a process for conducting these sessions. It

has a companion PowerPoint presentation with

reference being made to relevant slide numbers

throughout.

The LGA has also published a booklet for potential

candidates,

Make a difference - Nominate for Council, which is available on the LGA website www.lga.sa.gov.au/councilelectionsforstaff

We invite you contact us if you require any further

information or advice regarding the content,

methodology and/or intended use of these

resource materials.

We trust that this guide and resource package will

be of benefit to you in encouraging increased

participation in the 2018 council elections.

Matt Pinnegar Chief Executive Officer Local Government Association of SA

2 Make a difference – nominate for council

Suggested Seminar Program Contents Introduction 3 Session topics and guidelines 4 Section 1: Characteristics of a council member 4

• Why council?

• Type of people who make great councilors

• Community leadership

Section 2: Local government and council – an overview • Three tiers of government

• A brief timeline of local government

• Functions of local government

• How council works

Section 3: How to become a council member & about council elections 10 • Periodic and supplementary elections

• Expected conduct and ethics

• The election process

• Campaigning (do’s and don’ts)

• Key activities and dates – timeline

Section 4: Council member experiences 16 • Declaration and celebration

• Benefits

• Expectations Section 5 Campaigning 21 Section 6: When you’re a councillor 25 Note: A companion PowerPoint presentation is referred to by slide number.

Presenters Guide


Introduction This is a guide for councils that are conducting seminars for anyone interested in nominating as a

candidate in the 2018 council elections.

The topics covered in the seminar include:

• Characteristics of a successful council member. • Local government: an overview that includes information about how councils work. • How to become a council member: the nomination process and issues related to the elections

which are conducted by the SA Electoral Commissioner. • Council members’ experiences. • Campaigning. • Support provided when a prospective candidate becomes a council member.

The guide includes an overview of how to conduct a session, notes for the facilitator and speakers

and the suggested timeframe for each session. A PowerPoint presentation is also available.

It is suggested that a facilitator manage the seminar program. The facilitator may be a senior staff

member or former council member (who will not be a candidate in the 2018 elections) or another

person you deem appropriate. The role of the facilitator is to introduce each session, thank speakers

and provide links between sessions. Given the importance for the council to maintain an impartial

role, it is recommended that existing council members are not involved.

The guide can be tailored to the approach of your individual council requirements and/or reflect the

issues specific to your local government region. Timeframes can also be adjusted to meet your

needs.

The program has been designed to be completed within a 3-4 hour timeframe. This includes question

time with a panel of presenters/past councillors. Most participants will gain enough information to

make a decision within this timeframe.

The objective of the session is to assist potential candidates to decide whether they wish to move

forward and peruse the role of a council member. It is not intended to train candidates to be council

members. This will occur once candidates are elected.


Quick Guide – Session Run Sheet for Facilitator

Section Activity Time Slide

Welcome & Introductions 10 mins 1 Welcome participants

• Acknowledgement of Country • Housekeeping, introductions, overview of

session

10 mins 1

Section 1: Characteristics of a council member 30 mins 2-9 • Personal reflection – what has drawn you

to running for council? • Eligibility for election

5 mins 3 min

2 3

• Profile of a successful council member • Community leadership

10 mins 7 mins

4 6

• Diversity 5 mins 8 Section 2: Local government and councils –an overview 20 mins 10-26 Local Government snapshot

• Objectives of local government • Brief timeline of local government • What councils do • How councils work • Typical roles within the structure • Relationship between council members

and staff

3 mins 5 mins 4 mins 2 mins 3 mins 3 mins

10 13 14 18 20 25

Section 3: How to become a council member and about council elections

30 mins 28-36

• Periodic and supplementary elections • Key processes, dates and timeline

15 mins 15 mins

29 31

Section 4: Council members’ experiences (panel session) 45-60 mins (approx.)

37-39

Open question section

• Introduce panel members and invite questions from audience

• Have some questions ready to kick-start this session if required

37

Take a short 15 minute break Section 5: Campaigning 30-60 mins 40-45

• Recap of session • Engaging electors • Campaigning rules

40 41 43

Section 6: When you’re a councillor 30 mins 47-54 • Declaration and celebration

• Benefits - allowance, training, induction 10 mins 10 mins

47 48

Thank you and close 10 mins 53 • Where to get more information

• Thank participants for their interest and wish them well in whatever decision that they make.

10 mins 53

Presenters Guide


Welcome & Introductions The manner in which a seminar is conducted can 'make or break' a good event.

Prior to the event commencing:

• Ensure the room is set up before participants arrive. • Know when breaks are scheduled and if catering is being offered. • Ensure that the audio visual equipment is working and that speakers are clear and volume is

appropriate. • Microphones are recommended if the room is large and there are a number of participants.

The facilitator should:

(Display slide 1)

• Introduce themselves, welcome participants and acknowledge the presence of any official person, visitor or observer.

• Read Acknowledgement of Country (as appropriate to your council area). • Outline why the program is being conducted and the issues to be addressed. • Give an overview of the proposed program and encourage questions and involvement of all

participants. • Ask participants to write down questions that occur to them throughout the presentation and

inform them that they will have an opportunity to ask questions in the times provided. • Outline housekeeping arrangements: turn mobile phones off, indicate location of toilets and

smoking zones and where refreshments are available. • Allow time for people to introduce themselves. You may choose to use a simple non-threatening

ice-breaker.


Section 1: Characteristics of a council member Time: 30 minutes Aids: Slides 2 - 9 Aims: • To provide a brief overview of the characteristics of a successful council member. • To encourage people from diverse backgrounds to run for council. • To give an understanding of the depth and breadth of the role of a council member. • To provide information intended to help potential candidates to self-select.

Presenter It is recommended that the facilitator conduct this session with the aid of the PowerPoint presentation.

Approach (Display sl ide 2) • The facilitator introduces this

section by addressing the participants desire to become a councillor and acknowledge that: o some participants are in the

process of making a decision o some participants may be

clear about the direction they are taking

• Congratulate participants for taking the time to give this decision the thought and consideration that it deserves.

• Inform participants that the next 30 minutes will be used to go through material that will assist them to make a decision.

Personal reflection (5 mins)

Presenters Guide


Activity: • Take a moment to think about why becoming a council member is something you are

considering. • Ask participants to consider the following question and write some personal notes. (Notes will not

be shared, however, they may assist participants to determine the main drivers and issues that will support their campaign) o “What interests you about becoming a council member?”

Eligibility for election to council (3 min) (Display slide 3) The facilitator makes the following point: • Before proceeding any further with your nomination you should check your eligibility to stand for

election. • Note for facilitator: while nominees must be Australian citizens, there are no restrictions for dual

citizens.

Profile of a successful council member (10 mins) (Display slide 4) The facilitator makes the following points: • While there are no special qualifications or experience required to be on council, you should be

passionate about your local community, willing to work as part of a team and keen to learn. • If you are successful in becoming a councillor, training, induction and ongoing professional

development opportunities will help you to build the skills and knowledge needed to operate effectively on council.

To be a successful councillor the following interpersonal skills and characteristics are beneficial: • Know your values, strengths and weaknesses (emotional intelligence). • Have the ability to manage relationships. • Consider the greater good • Be respectful in all communications. • Read people and situations. • Understand others’ values and motivations. • Understand other people’s view points and perspectives. • Work effectively with different people and organisations and

build effective relationships. • Enjoy connecting with and learning from others. • Visionary direction setting. • Have an interest in long term trends and critical events. • Consider world trends and issues in relation to the local community. • Have a clear vision or intent to serve for the greater good of the community.


o

Activity: (Display sl ide 5) • Refer to the self-assessment table provided in the ‘Make a difference - nominate for council’

booklet. • Allow the participants to spend time completing the self-assessment table. • Advise participants that this self- assessment tool is a guide that can assist them to develop a

self-development plan.

Community leadership (7 mins) (Display slide 6) The facilitator makes the following points: • Becoming a councillor is a way to make a real difference in

your community. You will contribute to discussions about local issues, influence important decisions and assist to deliver positive outcomes for your community.

• Being a council member can be both challenging and rewarding. You will learn a lot, develop new skills, make valuable connections, and influence the long-term direction of your council area.

• The role also requires a significant commitment of time and energy and carries with it important responsibilities.

The facilitator emphasises: • Leadership skills are fundamental to working effectively on council and influencing the future

direction of the local community. • Decisions are made by the council as a whole, which means council members are expected to

work well together. • A constructive approach to debating important issues is needed to ensure that the best outcome

for the community is achieved. • Every council member has a particular issue that they are passionate about. This may be an issue

that you campaign on, however, you must prioritise the greater good of the community as a whole. • It is important to consider every issue from a both a community and ward (if this applies to you)

perspective. • It is a privilege to represent your community because it is your community who has elected you to

act on their behalf. • You have an obligation to ensure that your view is broad and doesn’t only represent one group of

people or one issue.

Presenters Guide


Activity: (Display sl ide 7) The facilitator asks participants to form small groups (max 5-6) and have them discuss the following question:

o What are the costs to the community, and to council, if each council member only focused on their favourite issue?

• A person from the group reports back to the wider group. You may choose to offer participants the option of reflecting on this question personally.

Diversity (5 mins) (Display slide 8) Activity: Speaker will lead the discussion: “What is diversity and why is it important?” Ask participants for their ideas and write them on a whiteboard.

The following key points are made: • Communities are made up of people from different backgrounds and with different needs. • Many community groups have had less representation on councils in the past. • Groups who are statistically under represented, include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island people • People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) • People with a disability • Women • Young people

• Diverse councils are have a greater ability to represent the community. • Diversity supports the sharing of different ideas, perspectives and beliefs. • Diversity enables consideration of different points of view. • Diversity encourages robust discussion that can test ideas, engender greater understanding of

issues, and result in better decision making.

Summary (Display slide 9) The speaker summarises the session by highlighting that together we have: • Completed the self-assessment which can be used to help create a personal development plan

for the role of council member. (Note: These criteria are for personal reference only. They are not used to select candidates.)

• Understood the privileges and obligations of leadership, particularly community leadership, which are not to be taken lightly. It is a great honour to be trusted by the community to represent them.

Facilitator A link from community leadership is then made to the next session that will consider the role of local government in the community, and some information about how council works. The next speaker is introduced (if relevant).


Section 2: Local government and councils – an overview Time: 20 minutes Aids: Slides 10 - 26 Aims: 1. To provide a brief overview of the historical development of local government. 2. To identify the roles and functions of councils. 3. To provide a brief overview of how councils work. Presenter It is recommended that the Chief Executive Officer or senior staff member conduct this session using the PowerPoint presentation provided.

Approach Objectives of local government (3 mins) To commence this session the speaker makes the following points:

(Display slide 10) • There are three tiers (often referred to as levels or spheres of

government) in South Australia. • Ask participants to name the three tiers of government.

(Display slide 11) • Briefly discuss local governments’ relationship with other spheres of

government.

o Local government councils cover 15% of the area of the state and approximately 99% of the population. The Outback Areas Community Development Trust administers the provision of similar services for ‘out of local government areas’ of the state.

o The purpose of local government in South Australia is the same for any community, regardless of its population, geographic size or location.

o The extent to which a council achieves the key objectives is a measure of its success in serving its community.

(Display slide 12). Briefly discuss the role of each tier of government and where they overlap.

Presenters Guide


Historical development of local government (5 mins) (Display slide 13) The speaker suggests to the group that it is useful to briefly consider the historical development of local government in South Australia. The speaker briefly takes participants through the information presented in the timeline. The following key points are made: • Prior to white settlement, aborigines had their own form of local

governance. Local government as we know it dates from the establishment of the first council in Australia, Adelaide City Council in 1840. Discuss when your local council was established.

• In 1887 the Parliament of South Australia introduced the District Councils Act which introduced local government into many areas of the state where it had not previously existed.

• The first woman councillor in Australia was Susan Grace Benny. Susan became a member of South Australia’s Brighton Council (now City of Holdfast Bay) in late 1919. o Susan was appointed to represent the newly created south ward on the petition of

ratepayers. She served through two elections. o "She entered the council from a sense of public duty, believing that there is work to be

done in municipal life which will not even be commenced unless a woman undertakes it". (The Adelaide Observer, 20 December, 1919)

o The first Aboriginal woman elected to local government was Pat Dixon in 1983. She stood for and was elected to Armidale City Council. She was re-elected for a second term in 1987.

• Local government has always been responsive to community needs. In the early history of South Australia, the prime community need was for roads to provide access to markets, services and social interaction. In the early part of this century, the need for improved public health saw a focus on areas such as drainage, sewerage, food inspections and immunisation. Communities in the 1950’s–1980’s demanded planning of land use, improved libraries and more community support and development.

• Council amalgamations commenced. By 1998 council numbers were reduced in South Australia from 118 to 68. o The South Australian Constitution Act, provides for a system of elected local government

bodies. And the Local Government Act 1999 establishes the constitution, system and operational framework for local government in this state.


What councils do (4 mins) (Display slide 14) The presenter makes the following points:

The Local Government Act 1999 sets out the role and function of councils. There are legislated functions and discretionary functions, which make councils diverse.

(Display slide 15) • Councils provide hundreds of services you use every day. These services and facilities make

your local community vibrant, clean and safe. • Some of these services you probably rarely think about. But you’d miss them if they weren’t

there. • Councils look after about $22 billion worth of public assets. • Councils rely on rates to pay for services. These are supplemented by state and federal funding

in some cases.

(Display slide 16) Based on the needs of its community councils may provide a range of discretionary services.

Activity:

(Display slide 17) The facilitator asks participants to form small groups (max 5-6) and ask participants to discuss what they consider the role of local government to be. One person from each group is invited to report back to the wider group. Allow 5-10 minutes for this exercise.

How councils work (2 mins) (Display slide 18) In this section the speaker will explain that although all councils have similar objectives, the way in which the council delivers the services to the community may vary from council to council. A council comprises: • A principal member (called either the Mayor - who is elected by voters, or the Chairperson - who

is chosen by the other members of council). • A number of councillors – who may be elected to represent a ward (which is a specific

geographic section of the council area), or to represent the council area as a whole.

Our council/our region (Display slide 19) This is an opportunity for your speaker to provide information about your specific council or regional area to help demonstrate how councils work.

Presenters Guide


Typical roles within the structure (3 mins) (Display slide 20) Role of council members The Act specifies that council members must: • represent the interests of ratepayers and residents • provide community leadership and guidance • facilitate communication between the community and the council

(Display slide 21)

Other duties include: • participating in discussions and decision making at council • reviewing strategic plans, polices and budget information • being available to discuss and advise community members on individual concerns and relaying

these through the appropriate channels • participating in civic events


(Display slide 22) The role of the mayor or chairperson is to: • preside at meetings of the council • carry out the civic and ceremonial duties of the office of principal member • support council members in the Code of Conduct • provide advice, if required, to the CEO between council meetings regarding the implementation of

a decision of the council • act as the principal spokesperson of the council (unless the council determines otherwise).

(Display slide 23) The role of the CEO is: • for the implementation of council decisions and the general administration of council functions

and affairs • for employing and managing all the other staff of the council • to act as an adviser to council members • to ensure that the council acts within the law

(Display slide 24) Understanding respective roles: Relationship between council members and staff (3 mins) (Display slide 25) The working relationship between council members and council staff is very important. Each have separate but complementary roles: • Council members decide the overall strategic direction

of the council and set the policies and plans. • Staff, through the CEO, undertake the administrative

actions required to achieve the council’s strategic directions, policies and plans.

(Display slide 26) While there are distinct roles for the council and the organisation, there is a ‘grey area’ where there needs to be a commitment to building effective working relationships. Successful leadership of council is determined by some significant key elements: • the quality of information provided to council • the clarity of roles and responsibilities and • effectiveness of relationships

When the roles and responsibilities are clear and there is commitment to work effectively together, council has the potential to deliver great outcomes for the community.

Presenters Guide


Summary (Display slide 27) The speaker summarises the session by highlighting that together we have:

• Taken a step back in the history of local government in South Australia to consider how local government established itself in this state.

• Identified the different roles of the three spheres of government and the relationship local government has with these other spheres of government.

• Taken a look at the roles, functions and resources required of a council to meet its broad objectives.

Facilitator A link is now made to the next session that will consider how to become a council member and information about council elections.


Section 3: How to become a council member – about council elections

Time: 30 minutes Aids: Slides 28 -36

Aims: 1. To understand the election and the nominating process. 2. To provide practical guidance in the election process.

Presenter As this segment addresses legal issues associated with the election process, it is useful to have an experienced Deputy Returning Officer (or the Council Liaison Officer appointed by the Electoral Commissioner) and/or a legal practitioner to present this session or available to answer questions. Note: The Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) has prepared a comprehensive information booklet for candidates titled Council Elections Candidate Handbook as part of a nomination kit including a DVD which covers many of these issues. Approach Introduction (Display slide 28) The speaker introduces this section by saying that The Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 sets out the requirements for council elections - how they are to be conducted, who can nominate, who can vote, and how the votes are to be counted.

Periodic and Supplementary Elections (Display slide 29) There are two forms of elections held in local government — periodic elections which are held on a regular four-year cycle, and supplementary elections which are held when a position becomes vacant e.g. because a council member has resigned or becomes a member of State or Federal Parliament. • All council elections are conducted by postal vote.

(Display slide 30) • Slide 30 contains the relevant dates for the 2018 election process.

The next phase is to seek nomination to council.

Presenters Guide


(Display slide 31)

Nominating for council - the process: • Collect a nomination kit from your council. • Complete the nomination form and prepare the candidate profile.

(An online option will be available) • Lodge the nomination form, candidate profile and candidate photograph (optional) with the

council’s Deputy Returning Officer/Council Liaison Officer after nominations open. • To withdraw you must complete the appropriate form prior to the close of nominations.

(Display slide 32) • The Returning Officer may reject a nomination if in their

opinion the name under which the candidate is nominated: • is obscene • is frivolous • has been assumed for an ulterior purpose • no profile has been submitted.

(Display slide 33)

Discuss the importance of creating a candidate profile. A candidate profile: • must be typed or printed • must not exceed 150 words in length • must be accurate and not misleading • must not contain offensive or obscene material • must not refer to another person who has nominated as a candidate

without their written consent • must not comment on decisions or actions taken by the council or by past

or present members of the council • must be signed and dated

(Display slide 34)

Publication of nominations: • When nominations are lodged they are displayed in the council offices. • Nomination must be published after the close of nominations and within 16 days. This usually

occurs within 14 days due to the publication dates of the Government Gazette. • The public notice will include the names of candidates and the positions they have nominated for. No contest: • If there are the same number of positions as candidates, those nominating will automatically be

elected to the position.


(Display slide 35)

Voting: • Ballot packs including candidate profiles are distributed to all enrolled voters by ECSA between

22nd - 26th October 2018. • Voters must correctly complete and return their vote which must be received by 5pm Friday 9

November 2018. • Candidates can nominate up to two scrutineers to attend the scrutiny and count. • Results will be published on the Local Government Association’s website Saturday 10th

November 2018. Summary (Display slide 36) In summary in this session we have considered: • the election process • key dates • the rules around nominating • information about the scrutiny and count

Facilitator Facilitator then makes the link to the next session where past council members discuss their experiences.

Presenters Guide


Section 4: Council members’ experiences Time: 45 – 60 minutes Aids: Slides 37 -39 Aims: 1. To provide an opportunity for participants to hear from council members about their

experiences and their understanding of the role. 2. To assist participants gain an understanding of what they can achieve both personally and

professionally by being a council member. Guest speakers/panel Presenter (Display slide 37) At this point in the program it is useful to include 'motivational' speaker/s that are experienced council members, CEO’s or senior council staff. A panel format is recommended (3-4 panel members) to maximise time allocation and give the best outcome for candidates. Panel member options: • a person who has served at least one term • a past council member or a council member from a neighbouring council • it is beneficial to have both male and female speakers and a person from a diverse background • it is beneficial to have a senior member of staff (i.e. Governance Manager/General Manager) and

the council CEO. • that panel members must not be candidates in the 2018 election.

In briefing the speakers for this session suggest they prepare to discuss the following questions: • Why did they consider becoming a council member - what inspired them? • How would they describe their role? • What are some of the good things and the more challenging things they have experienced? • How did they go about informing themselves about the role? • What importance do they place on developing skills and knowledge relevant to the task of council

member or as a member of staff at a council? • What 'pearls of wisdom' could they offer a person considering becoming a council member about

their role, their campaign and the commitment they have made? • How can social media benefit a campaign? • What’s the best way of speaking with the community? • What’s been the most challenging part of campaigning? • What should candidates be aware of when campaigning? • How do you balance your interests and the communities interests? • What examples can you give of clever campaigning strategies? • What attributes do you believe are required to be an effective councillor?


Allow time for general questions from the audience on any issues they may wish to raise. The CEO may present a short session on their experiences of working collectively with a group of council members. Summary (Display slide 38) The facilitator thanks the presenter/s and introduces the next segment that will address the issue of campaigning. (Display slide 39) Refreshment break: This is a good time to take a short 15 minute break and to invite candidates who are considering running, back after the break for further information about campaigning and becoming a councillor.

Presenters Guide


Section 5: Campaigning

Time: 1 hour Aids: Slides 40 – 45 whiteboard/butchers paper and textas Aims: 1. To identify the steps involved in establishing a campaign. 2. To identify strategies to promote oneself as a potential council member. Presenter It is suggested that two speakers may be required for this session. One person with community public relations experience or a past council member with extensive campaign experience and where possible a representative from ECSA, your council's Election Liaison Officer or alternatively, a legal practitioner. Approach (Display slide 40) The presenter/s introduce the session by explaining that the session will: (a) provide some information on what to observe within the campaign process to keep things legal

(as there are provisions in The Local Government (Elections) Act and regulations about the campaign process); and

(b) be a working session to generate ideas on how to go about the campaigning process. The presenter then recaps the key points of the session so far. “Ok, let’s say that you have decided to become a council member for your council”. You have: • checked you are eligible • completed and submitted your nomination form including your profile (a photo is optional) • received your letter from the returning officer • been informed that in your ward or council area an election will take place (unless the position is

uncontested) You therefore need to establish a campaign strategy and this next segment will assist you to do that. Option 1 Activity: (Display slide 41) Engaging with your electors is the aim of a campaign.

• Be known, be relevant, be approachable, be worthy of your communities vote.


(Display slide 42) Ask the group to consider the following question:

• “What creative ideas can you think of to engage with the electors?” • In groups of 5-6, brainstorm ideas (explain there are strict rules so something that seems

innocent may not be allowed). • Allow 10 minutes for the exercise and have each group report back on the ideas they have come

up with. • Using the audience’s examples highlight do’s and don’ts.

Remember this should be a fun activity without any judgement. Many of the participants may get things wrong e.g. the suggestion of a sausage sizzle is innocent, however, may be perceived as a bribe (i.e. food provision). This is an opportunity to teach participants that they need to be aware of campaigning rules. (Display slide 43)

Electoral material must contain: • Name and address of the person authorising the material. • If the material is printed, the name and address of the printer. • If the material is published in a newspaper as a letter to the editor, the name and address of the

writer must be provided. • Accurate statements and information .

(Display slide 44)

Illegal practices: The Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 outlines a number of illegal practices including: • violence, intimidation and bribery • dishonesty • interference with statutory rights • attempting to discover how people voted

(Display slide 45)

Considerations when campaigning: • what are the issue/s you will promote during your campaign? • how best to promote yourself - flyer, door knocking, stands at shopping centres, local media • develop a campaign strategy • obtain council consent prior to affixing electoral signs ie on ETSA poles • declare campaign donations within 30 days after the election (win or lose) • select and nominate scrutineers

Presenters Guide


(Display slide 46) Additional questions Please see below additional questions and answers that you may choose to put to the audience for discussion, time permitting. (no slides provided) 1. What things should consider before getting started on the campaign trail? • find out any legal requirements regarding campaigning (outlined in the ECSA’s Council Elections

Candidate Handbook) • speak with people who have campaigned before to obtain their ideas • meet with an experienced council member to discuss their perceptions and insights regarding the

role of a council member and gain some campaigning tips • call a meeting of friends/family to speak with them about becoming a council member and

request their assistance • inform local community groups about your decision to run for council and seek their help • visit your council and

request information/map of the ward for which you are running

• door knock your community (either personally or with help from others) to get to know the residents

• search out where you can obtain assistance financially or decide what you can afford personally to commit to your campaign for flyers, etc.

• prepare your candidate profile (150 words)

• arrange for a photo as per ECSA’s requirements


2. How could you present yourself to the electors? • print flyers about yourself including the issues you would bring to council and distribute. (ensure

that any written material you distribute is authorised according to the requirements) • ensure you have registered for and provided a candidate statement for the local government

candidate website • door knock • attend local community meetings and secure a spot on the agenda to speak about nominating for

council • create posters of yourself and have them displayed in shops, community venues, etc. • ask others to promote you when they meet electors formally or informally • request local papers run an article about you • request a spot on a local radio program to speak about the election and your desire to become a

council member • be visible i.e. attend local functions and take the opportunity to speak with people informally • be friendly, approachable, interested and informed when meeting and discussing council issues • when using "helpers" for door knocking etc., encourage them not speak on your behalf in relation

to council issues but to take the resident's name, address and telephone number for you to contact them personally.

3. What information do you think the electors may want? • your name, address, telephone

number and email address • what you will stand for • what you will be doing to keep

residents informed • how you would like them to vote

4. Anything else you can suggest needs to be done? • organise scrutineers to be at the vote

count • organise a party to celebrate your

election

Presenters Guide


Section 6: When you’re a councillor Time: 30 mins Aids: Slides 47 - 54 Aims: 1. To provide an understanding of the support given to new councillors. 2. To provide an understanding of the expectations of councillors. Presenter Presenter may be the facilitator for this session, or the CEO. Approach (Display slide 47) The speaker highlights the following points: • The intention of this section is to advise candidates that they will have the full support of the

council, the mayor and the council administration to help them be successful. • Once the election is finalised, the CEO will advise when the next council meeting will occur. At

least three days’ notice will be given. The time between the end of the election and the first council meeting will vary from council to council.

• Once a candidate has been elected, they are required to make a Declaration of Office. This is a formal declaration that the candidate undertakes to carry out their duties conscientiously and to the best of their ability. The Declaration is signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace. This normally occurs at the first council meeting after the election.

• Each council has its own procedure for this ceremony. Candidates may be asked to wear robes (if the council does so), read the declaration aloud or to give a short speech. If a speech is required, it is usually most appropriate to make a simple statement thanking your supporters and expressing your desire to contribute to the work of your council.

Allowances (Display slide 48) During a term on council, council members are entitled to an annual allowance associated with their position. This is not a salary. The level of allowance is determined by the SA Remuneration Tribunal every four years before council elections. You are entitled to receive reimbursement for some expenses associated with your duties. Refer to your council’s allowances policy for further information.


Training (Display slide 49) The Local Government Act 1999 requires each council to have a training and development policy for council members, designed to support and equip councillors to carry out their duties effectively. A mimimum of 7.5 hours mandatory training must be undertaken by new councillors. Modules cover the following topics: • Introduction to local government • Legal responsibilities • Council and committee meetings • Financial management and reporting

Induction and orientation (Display slide 50) The CEO will arrange an orientation and induction process for newly elected councillors. This may include: • Further information about your role and responsibilities. • General information about local government and specific information on how your council

operates. • A tour of the council area and facilities. • Information on the organisational and operational structure including an overview of each of the

functions or departments. • Introduction to key staff members.

Expectations (Display slide 51) The speaker highlights the following points: The Local Government Act and meeting protocols: You should prepare yourself for your first meeting by learning about: • The procedure for taking your place on your council. • Meeting procedures set down in the Local Government (Procedures at Meetings) Regulations

2013 (a meeting procedures handbook is available from the LGA website). (Display slide 52) The Local Government Act 1999 sets out the general duties and code of conduct of a council member and requires each member. The Local Government Act 1999 sets out ways you may lose your position on council, including if you are declared bankrupt or convicted of an indicatable offence punishable by imprisonment, become a member of a State or Federal Parliament or become an employee of the council.

Presenters Guide


Close (Display slide 53) The facilitator briefly: • recaps the content of the program and thanks speakers and other support persons for their work

on the program • congratulates participants for considering becoming a council member and wishes them the best

of luck through their nomination and campaigning process. • Reiterates the benefits of having a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and

ethnicities brings to the community. Participants are advised that should they be successful further training to assist them in their role is available through the LGA. Information on those programs will be provided to all councils prior to the elections, to enable information to be immediately available to new council members once elected. Thanks are given for the involvement and participation of the group, and they are urged to speak with a Deputy Returning Officer or the Council Liaison Officer (appointed by ECSA) by contacting their council for further information. For further information (Display slide 54)


Notes

ecm 661813 v6 2018 council election - make a difference ... · note: a companion powerpoint...

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