The number of councillors in Tasmania will be reduced by 60 if local government reforms go ahead.
A discussion paper for public comment proposes a decrease in council seats from 263 to 203. The savings from salaries would support a minimum 14.25 per cent increase to councillor allowances at “no net cost to the Tasmanian community”.
Councils currently comprise between seven and 12 councillors. Under the new model, there would be a minimum of five and a maximum of nine.
The drop in numbers “would deliver a fair, appropriate, and cost-neutral pay increase for councillors,” Minister for Local Government Kerry Vincent said.
Having an adequate number of councillors in an LGA “is critical to ensuring effective governance, representation and service delivery,” he added.
The model will result in greater consistency of representation.
The proposal has the approval of the local government sector, which raised the possibility of an appraisal into the number of councillors and their allowance through the Future of Local Government Review.
“While we are still working through the details, the fact that the government has picked up on this recommendation is welcomed,” Mick Tucker – President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania – told GN. “The reduction in the number of councillors will bring Tasmania into line with many other states in terms of our level of representation.”
Noting that a modern-day councillor oversees operating budgets of up to $100 million, Tucker – Mayor of Break O’Day Council – told GN “their allowance does not reflect the growing complexity and expectations of the role.”
The model the government is proposing “is far more robust and will result in greater consistency of representation across the sector,” said Tucker.
The change will also prompt greater competition for seats, he added – “which is a good thing. It is worth noting that there have been instances over the past three years where councillors have been elected on a recount with fewer than 50 primary votes. This is not good for democracy.”
If implemented, the changes would take effect at the next local government elections in October 2026.
The discussion paper is available here. Feedback is open until 7 November.
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