About Local Government
In Australia, there are three different spheres of Government - Australian Government, State Government and Local Government. In Tasmania, Local Government is made up of 29 councils, and each is made up of councillors (elected members) and council staff (employed by the council).
Councillors are elected by the local community and are required to make policies about how the community should run. Council staff are employed to make sure these policies work. This resource has been designed for those thinking about employment with a council. It has not been designed for elected members (or those seeking to be elected).
Councils are responsible for providing all the main services that affect our daily lives. From the oval you play sport on, the park you picnic in, the collection of your household rubbish and the hygiene standards in your local restaurants and shops - all of these things (and many more) are the responsibility of your local council. It is amazing how many services a council provides, and you will be surprised how many different jobs are required to ensure the needs of each community are met.
What does Local Government look like?
Local Government is often structured into five main areas:
- Corporate Services
- Development & Environmental Services
- Engineering & Technical Services
- Operational Works
- Community & Economic Development
You can read more about the types of jobs in each area on the page, What Jobs are Available?
Where is Local Government?
If you are interested in finding out more about your local council, browse its website. The 29 councils are listed below:
