The Electoral Commission has called for more members of the public to stand in Council elections.
The Commission’s call to be a Vocal Local comes with less than 100 days before Local Government elections are due.
It said the elections were held every two years, with the next round on 16 October, and nominations opened on 2 September and closed on 9 September.
Launching the Vocal Local campaign, Minister for Local Government, John Carey said anyone with great ideas for their community should give serious thought to standing for election.
“Anyone intending to nominate for election must first complete a free online induction course, provided by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries,” Mr Carey said.
“The course gives community members a basic understanding of what is required from a Council member before nominations open.”
The Vocal Local campaign is presented by the Department in partnership with the WA Local Government Association.
Mr Carey said the Vocal Local campaign was based on a simple premise: “If you think you’ve got great ideas to make your community a better place to live and do business, then now is the time to start talking to your family and friends about nominating for the upcoming elections.”
“I am a strong advocate for greater diversity in Local Government, so I particularly want to encourage people from historically under-represented groups to consider putting their hands up,” he said.
“This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability and young people aged 18 years and over,” Mr Carey said.
