What is local government responsible for in Australia?

Local government in Australia is responsible for delivering local services and infrastructure within the boundaries of each local government area. The 537 councils across Australia handle a wide range of practical services that residents encounter most often: roads, parks, libraries, waste collection, planning, building approvals, recreational facilities, and citizenship ceremonies.

Local government does not have constitutional status at federal level. The Constitution does not mention local government, treating it as a creation of state law. Each state and the Northern Territory have their own Local Government Act establishing and regulating councils. Federal constitutional recognition of local government was proposed at referendums in 1974 and 1988 and defeated both times. The 2013 proposed referendum on constitutional recognition was deferred indefinitely. The Australian Capital Territory does not have local councils because the ACT Legislative Assembly performs both state and local functions.

Council responsibilities are set by state legislation but follow broadly similar patterns. The main categories of responsibility include infrastructure (local roads, footpaths, bridges, stormwater, street lighting, parks), community services (libraries, swimming pools, sports grounds, youth services, aged care in some councils, child care in some councils, immunisation programmes), environmental health (food safety inspections, immunisation, noise complaints), planning and development (zoning, building approvals, development applications, subdivisions), waste services (kerbside collection, recycling, organic waste, landfill management), and regulatory functions (parking enforcement, animal control, local laws).

Council revenue comes mainly from rates, with about 38 per cent of total council income from rates levied on property in the council area. Rates are calculated as a percentage of land value (in most states) or capital improved value (in Victoria), with the rate set annually by the council. Other income comes from user fees (about 25 per cent, including pool entry, development application fees, rubbish disposal fees), state and federal grants (about 12 per cent), interest and investments, and commercial activities. Total local government spending across Australia is about 50 billion dollars a year. Councils are governed by elected mayors and councillors, with elections typically every three or four years.