Delivering reforms to councillor numbers and allowances

The Tasmanian Government has released its final position on proposed reforms to allowances and numbers for councillors in local government.

This position has been developed with significant input, with 49 submissions received from across the sector and community during consultation late last year.

Minister for Local Government, Kerry Vincent, said the Government carefully considered the feedback.

“Under the reforms, our five large urban councils will each have nine elected members, and all other councils will have seven,” Minister Vincent said.

“This will mean a reduction of 50 councillors statewide, while supporting allowances that better reflect contemporary council functions and at no net additional cost.

"If our smallest councils are of the view they would be served better by fewer councillors, we are ensuring we have provisions to manage it.

“We will also be legislating regular, four-yearly reviews to ensure local representation and councillor allowances reflect the changing nature of our communities.

“All Tasmanians have a strong interest in local government, and we want to deliver the strongest possible support for this important level of government.

“We are striking the right balance between improving consistency in councillor numbers and recognising the increasingly complex and valuable service councillors provide to their communities.”

The Tasmanian Government will introduce the proposed changes through legislative amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulations 2025.

This will ensure the changes are in place well ahead of this year’s local government elections in October.

“We are getting on with delivering on the recommendations of the Future of Local Government Review,” Minister Vincent said.

"These reforms will further strengthen local governance by laying the groundwork to attract and retain diverse, talented candidates for the 2026 elections and beyond.”

The final position paper is available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.