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Local Government

The Statutes Amendment (Local Government Review) Act 2021 (SA) was assented to on 17 June 2021, but is commencing in stages. This will bring about significant reform to local government elections and operations. The Council Meetings and Rates sections of this handbook have now been updated to reflect some of the changes already brought into force. In relation to other changes and those still to come, see the Department for Infrastructure and Transport's summary or your individual council's website.

Local Government is the sphere of government which most directly affects people. Most of South Australia is divided into local areas, each of which is governed by an individual authority, known as a Council. Council activities include waste management, local environmental management, local roads, town planning, parks, libraries, social planning and many other services. In South Australia, Councils are called District, Town or City Councils.

The State Parliament creates the legal framework in which Local Government operates. Most of this framework is outlined in the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) and the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (SA) which contain information on how Councils are established, how elections should be run, how and when Councils should meet, how rates are to be charged, how Councils can spend money and what things Councils can do.

In addition to these two Acts, Councils are given powers by other State and Federal legislation including the Food Act 2001 (SA), the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA) and the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (SA). Councils also have the power to make their own regulations and by-laws.

Local Government  :  Last Revised: Wed Nov 1st 2023
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.