LG Professionals WA has released a new information paper to support informed and evidence-based discussions across the sector on the emerging conversation around four-year "full-spill" electoral terms for local government in Western Australia.
The paper has been developed to provide members with clear national context, comparative insights and factual data on how local government elections operate across Australia.
Importantly, it is not intended to present or promote a preferred position. Rather, it aims to equip members with balanced, well-researched information to help inform future conversations and any potential reform discussions.
Across Australia, every state and territory except Western Australia currently operates on a quadrennial election cycle, where all elected member positions are contested at the same time every four years. In contrast, Western Australia uses staggered elections, with councillors serving four-year terms but only half of positions falling vacant every two years.
A key concern often raised in discussions about "full spill" elections is the potential for widespread turnover of elected members and the impact this could have on continuity, corporate knowledge and strategic leadership. However, a national comparison of official electoral commission data shows that, outside of council amalgamations or dismissals, no council in Australia has experienced a complete turnover of elected members at a single election in the past decade. Across all jurisdictions, the proportion of first-time and returning councillors has remained broadly consistent, regardless of election cycle or voting system.
The paper also provides context on voting systems and voter participation. While approaches differ between states - including variations in preferential voting and whether voting is compulsory or voluntary - election outcomes and councillor turnover patterns appear broadly similar nationwide. Voter turnout, however, varies more noticeably, with compulsory voting states consistently recording higher participation rates that those with voluntary voting, including Western Australia.
By bringing together this national data and comparative analysis, LG Professionals WA hopes to support thoughtful, informed dialogue within the sector. The information paper is designed to help members better understand how different electoral models operate, their relationship to governance stability and voter participation, and how Western Australia's system compares nationality - without advocating for a particular course of action.