New regulations to support the 2027 local government elections

The Local Government (Elections) (2027 Periodic Elections) Amendment Regulations 2026 clarify a range of transitional arrangements, including the terms of deputy mayors and principal members, mayoral vacancies, council allowances, campaign donation disclosures and caretaker periods.

LGA is preparing FAQs to help councils understand the changes and what they mean in practice. These will be shared with councils next week.

The Local Government (Elections) (2027 Periodic Elections) Amendment Regulations 2026 commenced 22 October 2026 and are available to view online.

LGA has worked closely with the Office of Local Government to ensure the regulations address the practical implications of the change to election timing.

Feedback provided to the Office of Local Government at GAROC and SAROC meetings earlier this year also informed the development of the regulations.

Council appointments

The regulations set out that councils do not need to take additional steps to extend appointments that would otherwise expire in November 2026.

Some councils may have already taken steps to extend appointments. The regulations accommodate these actions and allow councils to make alternative appointments where they consider this appropriate.

• Deputy mayors and principal members: Existing office holders continue in their roles until the conclusion of the 2027 periodic elections, subject to any resolution of the relevant council to the contrary.
• Council committees and subsidiaries: Certain existing committee appointments and appointments to subsidiary boards continue until the conclusion of the 2027 elections.
• Other council appointments: Appointments made by council resolution that would otherwise have ended with the cancelled 2026 elections are extended until the conclusion of the 2027 elections.
• Casual mayoral vacancies: Where a casual vacancy in the office of mayor occurs on or after 1 January 2026 and before polling day for the 2027 elections, the council may choose a member to act as mayor until the conclusion of the elections.

What should councils do now?

Councils should familiarise themselves with the new regulations and consider whether any of the transitional arrangements affect their current governance arrangements or election planning.