This report on the outcomes of interviews with councillors and senior local government staff of their experience of local representation follows a review of the legal frameworks governing local democratic governance. ACELG has undertaken this work with the Victorian Local Governance Association which has a track record of working on issues of local and participatory democracy.

This report sets a brief context. It then outlines the experiences of Victorian councillors and senior staff interviewed with regard to representative structures (ward or un-subdivided councils, representation reviews and the number of councillors), views on compulsory voting and a 4 year term of office, the role of the mayor and deputy mayor and the role and remuneration of elected members.