How to become a Local Government Legislator

Also called: Alderman, Councillor

Represents the interests of people in a constituency as their elected member of a local government authority.

Main tasks

• Develops local government policy, and formulates, amends and repeals legislation and by-laws
• Represents the interests of constituents and advocates for their needs and concerns
• Introduces proposals for government action and represents public and electoral interests
• Issues policy directions to local government departments and exercises control over local government authorities
• Collaborates with officials to develop and implement policies and programs
• Attends community events and meetings to provide service to the community, gauge public opinion, and provide information on local government plans
• May present petitions on behalf of concerned groups

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Local Government - Elected Member (LGA50220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 2,800 people work in this job group now, and about 3,100 are projected by 2035. (+10.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Member of Parliament
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Questions people ask

How do I become a Local Government Legislator?

Ways in include: Diploma of Local Government - Elected Member.

Is a Local Government Legislator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 2,800 to about 3,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Local Government Legislator?

Not always. 47% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Local Government - Elected Member.

Will AI change the work of a Local Government Legislator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04