Local Government General Elections 2026 - Training Opportunities
Raising the Bar Further – Post Election Training Essentials for Council Members
The count-down, which is the lead up to (and post) the 2026 Local Government Periodic Elections, is now in play. This is evidenced by the increasing number of enquiries about the ‘caretaker period’, the voters roll and eligibility issues, and the mandatory Elected Member Training.
If you are not already aware for the looming elections, the close of voting is 5:00pm on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
The enquiries we are receiving in relation to the amendments to the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, have inspired us to re-visit our ‘election related’ training from the 2022 Local Government Periodic Elections.
Accordingly, in a timely manner, we provide the following for your consideration.
1. Elections Information Sessions
Nominations open on Tuesday 25 August 2026 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Prior to the close of nominations, many councils choose to hold ‘Information Sessions’ for interested members of the public, obviously focused on those who are considering nominating.
Our role (noting that there is usually a range of speakers, including from ECSA) in such sessions is to provide an overview as to what it means to be an Elected Member, the roles and responsibilities of the office and ‘public officer’ obligations (at a ‘high level’ of course). These sessions are always received as being of great benefit for potential candidates, ensuring they understand what will be required of them, should they nominate and be elected, thereby assisting in dealing with the inevitable ‘culture shock’ for successful first-timers.
For this election cycle we are, again, offering to attend any metropolitan council to participate in such an Information Session on a date and time of the council’s choosing, for the fixed fee of $795 (ex GST) for one (1) hour.
If we are required to extend our involvement to outline the nomination, electoral material and voting processes, we can certainly do so at the same session, that would make it a 1.5-hour session, for the fixed fee of $1,150 (+GST).
This same offer is available to regional councils by way of Zoom/Teams or, upon quotation, to travel and present in person.
2. Meet the Candidates Sessions
Following the closure of nominations, but prior to the close of voting, many councils’ have held public Meet the Candidates Session(s) across the council area and/or by Ward (for those with a Ward structure).
These sessions are usually facilitated on the following basis:
- at the commencement, a five (5) minute ‘timed’ opportunity for each candidate to address the audience; and
- then a ‘panel’ session, where members of the public are invited to ask questions of the candidates (whether pre-submitted, or not).
These sessions have proven to be an invaluable opportunity for members of the public and to assist them with informed voting decisions.
Our role at these sessions is that of an independent moderator, to introduce each candidate, to keep candidates to their time allocation and to manage/control inappropriate contributions, questions or behaviours.
Conversely, these sessions are beneficial for candidates by providing them with the opportunity to ‘reach’ members of the community. They also enable members of the community to gain a better understanding of the issues of importance to each of the candidates and the manner in which they will give effect to their roles and responsibilities if elected.
Importantly for the 2026 Elections, section 91B is a new inclusion in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It requires councils, at the close of nominations and before polling day, to hold at least one (1) such session, unless the council’s Caretaker Policy provides that this type of meeting will not be held and including a statement, certified by the Mayor, which sets out the reasons why the council does not propose to hold such a meeting.
This election cycle, we are again offering to attend any metropolitan council to facilitate a 1.5-hour Meet the Candidates Session on date(s) and time(s) of the council’s choosing, for a fixed fee of $1,450 (ex GST) per session.
We can provide a quotation for any regional council which may be interested in this offering.
3. Induction Sessions
Successful candidates are required to undertake Elected Member Mandatory Training within their first twelve-months of office. This now includes an immediate Induction Session for Members, by way of an overview of roles and responsibilities, what it means upon taking public office and, at a very high level, the ‘legal essentials’ for Elected Members.
We are offering to attend at any metropolitan council to conduct a 1.5 to 2-hour, high level, general, induction session on a date and time to be agreed, for a fixed fee of $2,250 (ex GST).
We can facilitate the same offering to regional councils by way of Zoom/Teams, or, subject to quotation, to present in person.
Importantly, our recommendation, borne of experience, is that it is these sessions that councils should ‘lock in’ between the conclusion of the elections and mid-December 2026. The remaining, more-detailed, training should then occur from February 2027 onwards. In this manner, it is not rushed, it enables new members to develop an awareness of council and committee meetings and, is demonstrative of a responsible corporate governance commitment.
4. Council Member Mandatory Training
The existing Mandatory Training Requirements are as follows:
Module 1 Behaviour
Module 2 Civic
Module 3 Legal
Module 4 Strategy and Finance
Our offering is to present Modules 1 – 4 with our training partners for a fixed fee of $2,650 (ex GST) for each Module.
If the Council engages us to deliver Modules 1-4 (inclusive), we will discount each session to $2,450 (ex GST).
The Principal Member is also required to attend a Leadership Program, that we can facilitate for $2,250 (+ GST)
Find link below to our Training Proposal in this respect.
Summary
Our training commitment is that we will not delegate this important training to junior staff. The Local Government Periodic Elections are an important statutory process for the council and the newly elected governing bodies. The training requires a high-level understanding of the various governance and public integrity considerations that form the ‘framework’ within those bodies will operate for the ensuing 4-year term.
We would be pleased to discuss any offerings in addition to those above that the Council may wish to incorporate.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about any of the above, or otherwise.