Becoming an elected member

Elected Members play an important community leadership role and being on a Council is one way you can ensure community perspectives are heard and considered in local decision-making.

Improving your community starts with local government. If you want to make a difference to your local facilities and services, consider becoming a candidate.

Any eligible elector in the Shire of Ashburton (who is 18 years of age or older and who is not disqualified) can stand as a candidate in Shire of Ashburton local government elections. Please note, nominees of a body corporate cannot stand for election.

For more information on the role of elected members please visit the Department of Local Government's website.

Nominating to be an Elected Member

Before commencing the nomination process with the Returning Officer, candidates must complete a compulsory online induction. This induction covers the following topics:

  • About government in Australia
  • Local government in WA
  • Local government decision-making
  • The role of council members
  • Community, council members and local government employees
  • Types of decisions by council members
  • Qualities and skills of effective council members
  • Code of Conduct
  • Gifts and conflicts of interest
  • Local elections
  • Election campaigns
  • Declaration and remuneration
  • Why stand for council?
  • What should you do now?
  • Support and information available

The compulsory online induction can be accessed here: Candidate Induction

Nominations can only be submitted to the Returning Officer once the nomination period opens. For this election nominations open on TBA. The nomination period closes at 4.00pm TBA. A valid nomination consists of the following:

  • a completed nomination form - it is recommended that candidates use the online nomination builder on the Western Australian Electoral Commissions website at Local Government Candidates to complete their nomination form and construct their candidate profile
  • a candidate profile (1000 characters maximum) which must:
    • be in English
    • confined to biographical information about the candidate, and statements about the candidate's policies or belief
    • not contain false, defamatory or misleading information
    • fit on an A4 page
    • include the candidate's full name and contact information
    • a photograph, no larger than passport sized and taken in the last six months (optional)
    • a deposit of $100 is required to be paid. Cash required.

Candidates may also provide a written statement in English, of up to 2,000 characters (including spaces) with their nomination paper (optional). All nomination applications must be signed by the candidate in front of a witness.