How local government began in South Australia

The establishment of local government in South Australia can be traced back to the days of colonisation. Four years after the colony was founded in Adelaide, local citizens wanted power to make decisions for their own communities.

The residents united and petitioned for their own council. Their persistence paid off when the Adelaide City Council became the very first municipality in Australia in 1840. This paved the way for democratic local governance.

In 1856, the South Australian Constitution Act set the stage for a system of elected local government bodies, representing local citizens. This landmark legislation gave communities a voice in decision-making.

How councils were established

In 1887 the Parliament of South Australia introduced the District Councils Act. This established local governments across the state and ensured regions outside major cities had their own governance structures.

South Australia makes voting rights equal for all

South Australia has a proud history of progressive values.

In 1894, the Constitutional Amendment (Adult Suffrage) Act was passed. This made South Australia the first place in the world to grant equal political rights to everyone, regardless of gender. This groundbreaking legislation opened the doors for all people to have the right to vote.

Legislation in more recent times

In more recent times, the Local Government Act 1999 set the constitution, system and guidelines for how local government works in South Australia.

It makes sure councils govern well and deliver services to our communities.

Legislation for elections

When it comes to council elections, the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 outlines what is needed for council elections. It covers everything from the conduct of elections to who can nominate, vote, and how the votes are counted. The Local Government (Elections) Regulations 2010 also gives more guidance on the electoral process.

The City of Adelaide has special election provisions, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the City of Adelaide Act 1998. This covers the unique requirements and complexities of holding elections in the city.

Keeping a history of South Australian councils

Recording the history of local councils in South Australia is important. In April 2010, a decision was made to continue recording the past and present contribution of South Australian councils.

The histories of past councils can be found in:

• The Civic Record of 1921-1923
• The Centenary Civic Record of 1936
• The Jubilee Civic Record of 1986.

The Local Government Association commissioned historian Dr Susan Marsden to research and create: A history of South Australian Councils to 1936.

This covers the history of councils in the late eighteenth to early nineteenth century which are not included in other records.