While each council’s roles and responsibilities may be different depending on their size and geographic location, how they operate remains the same.

A council is made up of council members and council staff. Council members are also known as councillors or elected members. Council staff are also known as the council administration.

The relationship between council members, the Chief Executive Officer, and council staff is very important. They each have separate roles, but they are connected.

• Council members decide the strategic direction of the council and set the policies and plans.
• The Chief Executive Officer, with support of council staff, advises the council members on the strategic direction.
• The Chief Executive Officer and council staff work to achieve the council’s strategic policies and plans.

Community consultation

Community consultation is an important part of how councils make their decisions.

They are an opportunity for residents and other people to have their say on issues that matter to the community. This feedback is then considered by the council administration and council members.

Council meetings are where council members discuss issues and make decisions on behalf of the community. These meetings are open to the public and are held regularly.

A meeting agenda is published before every meeting, and the public can attend and observe. Sometimes, when allowed, the public can also join in the discussions.

At some committee meetings, council members with special expertise, such as finance or planning, can talk through issues in-depth and give recommendations. These meetings are usually for issues that are more complex and detailed.

About council members

Council members are a group of people elected by the public during a council election. This group is also known as councillors or elected members.

As they are elected by the community, council members have no authority as individuals. All decisions made must be decided together by voting during council or committee meetings.

The role of council members is to collectively set the strategic and policy direction for the council. This is usually shared in a council’s strategic plan or Annual Business Plan. All councils have an Annual Business Plan that outlines their vision and direction, and the projects they plan to deliver.

About council administration

Council administration are staff who are paid to carry out and implement the decisions made by the council members and provide services required by law.

Together with council members, the council administration works to ensure a safe, healthy and liveable place for its communities.