LGA publishes FAQs on new election transition regulations
The regulations, which commenced on 22 October 2026, support the transition to the 2027 local government periodic elections following the deferral of the 2026 council elections.
The FAQs provide additional guidance on a range of transitional arrangements, including council appointments, office holder terms, mayoral vacancies, caretaker provisions, allowances and campaign donation disclosure requirements.
Important clarification on council appointments
Councils should pay particular attention to the operation of regulations 22 and 23.
These provisions override certain alternative appointment decisions made before the regulations commenced on 22 October 2026 where the person appointed had not yet commenced in the position at that date.
The effect of the regulations is that the person who was actually holding the position on 22 October 2026 will continue in that role until the conclusion of the 2027 periodic elections, unless the council makes a different resolution after the commencement of the regulations.
This clarification is especially relevant for councils that had already taken steps to make or confirm appointments in anticipation of terms ending with the originally scheduled 2026 elections.
New regulations
The new regulations provide for a range of transitional arrangements to ensure continuity of local government operations until the 2027 elections. These include:
- Existing deputy mayors and principal members continuing in office until the conclusion of the 2027 elections, unless the council resolves otherwise.
- The continuation of certain committee and subsidiary board appointments.
- The extension of council appointments that would otherwise have expired with the cancelled 2026 elections.
- Arrangements allowing councils to appoint an acting mayor where a casual mayoral vacancy arises before polling day for the 2027 elections.
LGA worked closely with the Office of Local Government during the development of the regulations, with feedback provided through GAROC and SAROC meetings helping to inform the final arrangements.
Councils are encouraged to review the FAQs and consider whether any of the transitional provisions affect their current governance arrangements or election planning.