Damon Mcknight
Australia holds elections to elect the legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, as well as for each Australian state and territory and for local government councils. Local elections for each state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Western Australia (WA) are generally held every four years. In the ACT, elections are held every four years for the Legislative Assembly, and because the ACT Legislative Assembly has responsibility for both territory and local decisions, the ACT doesn't have separate local elections. In WA, local elections are held every two years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of government | Federal, state or territory, and local |
| Election day | Always on a Saturday |
| Voting method | Secret ballot |
| Voter registration | Compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and above |
| Federal election frequency | Once every three years |
| State election frequency | Every four years |
| Local election frequency | Every four years (except in Western Australia, where they are held every two years) |
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What You'll Learn
- Local government elections in Queensland are held every four years
- Local government elections in NSW are held every four years
- Local government elections in Victoria are held every four years
- Local government elections in South Australia are held every four years
- Federal elections in Australia are held every three years
Local government elections in Queensland are held every four years
The frequency of local government elections in Queensland is in line with the practice in other Australian states and territories, where elections are generally held at regular intervals. For example, in South Australia, whole-state council elections are conducted every four years for 67 out of 68 councils. These periodic elections are usually held in November, with the next one scheduled for November 2026.
In addition to local government elections, Queensland also holds state general elections every four years, following the introduction of fixed four-year terms after the 2016 referendum. These state elections are typically conducted on the last Saturday in October, with the most recent one taking place on 26 October 2024.
The Australian electoral system ensures that election days are always on Saturdays, allowing for higher voter turnout as most people are not working. Early voting is also permitted, and voters can choose to cast their ballots in person at polling places or by postal vote.
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Local government elections in NSW are held every four years
During local government elections in NSW, voters in each local government area elect councillors to their local council. The number of councillors elected varies from council to council, and these councillors serve a term of four years. In addition to the councillors, mayors are also elected by the voters in each area, and they, too, serve a four-year term.
The election of a mayor and councillors are conducted as separate elections, even though they occur simultaneously. For instance, if a council has 10 councillor positions open and the mayor is also elected by the voters, then the election for that council will be for nine councillors and one mayor.
It is worth noting that by-elections can occur outside the normal four-year cycle in the event of a vacancy, such as the resignation or death of a councillor. These by-elections can be avoided if a council opts for a countback election within 18 months of the ordinary election, but only if the vacating councillor was elected under the proportional representation method.
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Local government elections in Victoria are held every four years
In Australia, elections are held periodically to elect the legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, as well as for each Australian state and territory and for local government councils. While the elections for the Australian Parliament are held under the federal electoral system, elections for state and territory Parliaments are conducted under the electoral system of each state and territory.
In Victoria, local government elections are held every four years. These elections are conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and follow a unique process where all voting is done by post. The VEC sends ballot packs to all enrolled voters, who then complete and return them. Each council area allows one vote per person, even if the voter owns multiple properties within that area.
To participate in local council elections in Victoria, individuals must be on the state roll by 4 pm on the day it closes. Voting is mandatory, and failure to do so may result in a fine. Voters in these elections include ratepayers, who can be property owners, occupiers, or corporations. Council-enrolled voters can apply directly with their council, and those on the council roll are required to vote.
After the councillors are elected, they collectively decide who will serve as the mayor. While the process of electing councillors is consistent across Victoria, the specific electoral boundaries and candidates may vary, with this information available through the Electoral Commission.
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Local government elections in South Australia are held every four years
In South Australia, local government elections are conducted using the counting system of proportional representation. This means that a candidate is elected when they obtain a predetermined proportion of the total number of formal ballot papers cast, also known as a quota. This system ensures that the election results represent the diverse views and preferences of the electorate.
While the ECSA oversees the process, the legislation governing local government elections applies to everyone involved, including candidates and voters. For example, under the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, all electoral materials, including posters and signs, must include a statement about who authorised them. This requirement helps ensure transparency and accountability during the election campaign.
Local government elections in South Australia are an essential aspect of the state's democratic process. By holding elections every four years, South Australians have a regular opportunity to choose their local representatives and influence the direction of their communities. These elections are a key mechanism for ensuring that local governments are accountable to the people they serve.
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Federal elections in Australia are held every three years
Federal elections in Australia are held at least once every three years. The date is determined by the Governor-General, upon the request of the government. Typically, federal elections involve the election of all House of Representatives members and half of the Senate. As such, voters are provided with two ballot papers to vote for a member for their local House of Representatives division and for Senators in their state or territory.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has no role in determining the date of the election or the broader election period timetable. Instead, the AEC conducts events according to the dates provided in writs (formal instructions) issued by the Governor-General. The AEC also acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.
The term of a House of Representatives expires three years from its first meeting. However, the Governor-General, usually acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, may dissolve the House sooner. After the House is dissolved or expires, writs for election must be issued within 10 days, and the election must be held on a Saturday between 33 and 58 days after the writs have been issued. The next House must meet within 30 days of the writs being returned.
The Australian Constitution requires that, in half-Senate elections, the election of state senators must take place within one year before the places become vacant. The terms of senators representing the states are of fixed duration unless Parliament is dissolved in a double dissolution. In contrast, the terms of senators representing the territories are not fixed and are tied to the election dates for the House of Representatives.
In addition to federal elections, Australia also holds state and local government elections. For example, South Australian state elections are held on the third Saturday of March every four years.
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Frequently asked questions
Local government elections in Australia are generally held every four years. However, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) does not hold separate local elections as its Legislative Assembly is responsible for both territory and local decisions. In Western Australia, local elections are held every two years.
Federal elections are held approximately once every three years. The Australian Constitution governs the federal parliament term lengths, which are three years for the House of Representatives and six years for the Senate.
State elections are held every four years, with a fixed election date. For example, Queensland elections are held every four years on the last Saturday in October, while South Australian state elections are held on the third Saturday in March every four years.
Voting in federal, state, and territory elections is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over who are enrolled on the electoral roll.
