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Municipal Association of Victoria

2006 Councillor Census

June 2006

The 2006 Councillor Census has been prepared by the Municipal Association of Victoria(MAV). Deakin University was engaged by the MAV to prepare and conduct the survey and itfollows from the earlier census conducted by the MAV in 2003. The efforts of the staff ofDeakin’s Computer Assisted Research Facility are most appreciated.

The MAV is the statutory peak body for local government in Victoria, representing all 79municipalities within the state.

© Copyright Municipal Association of Victoria, 2006.

The Municipal Association of Victoria is the owner of the copyright in the publicationCouncillor Census 2006.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any from or by anymeans without the prior permission in writing from the Municipal Association of Victoria.

All requests to reproduce, store or transmit material contained in the publication should beaddressed to Debbie Smith on (03) 9667 5555.

Councillor Census - June 2006 of 34

Table of Contents

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

Overview ...........................................................................................1

Introduction........................................................................................2

Summary of Main Findings ................................................................3

Age Profile of Victorian Councillors ...................................................6

Background .......................................................................................9

Disability ..........................................................................................10

Marital status ...................................................................................11

Caring responsibilities .....................................................................12

10 Employment Status .........................................................................13

11 Occupation ......................................................................................15

12 Level of Education ...........................................................................18

13 Income.............................................................................................21

14 Distribution of Respondents by Council Area ..................................24

15 Councillor Service and Duties..........................................................25

16 Political Party Membership and Identification ..................................28

17 Citizenship .......................................................................................30

18 Goals of the nation ..........................................................................31

19 Issues Facing Australia ...................................................................32

20 Councillor Competencies, Training & Professional Development....33

1 OverviewVictorian councillors exercise complex and important responsibilities. They mustpromote the social and economic sustainability of their municipalities and improve thequality of life of their constituents. They must ensure council decision making istransparent and accountable and that essential services such as infrastructure, childcare, public libraries and aged care, are efficiently and equitably provided. Councillorspreside over substantial organisations. The average metropolitan council has a $95mbudget and effective full-time staff of 530 and are by these dimensions, significant,complex enterprises.

Local government is a significant industry in Victoria, with an annual turnover of over$4 billion, or approximately two per cent of Victoria’s Gross State Product. Economicdecisions made by local government can make a contribution and impact to theeconomic and social vitality of the state. Supporting councillors to govern well, giventheir key function and role is therefore an important, ongoing and necessaryinvestment.

Established as the peak body for Victorian local government by the MunicipalAssociation Act 1907, the MAV is responsible for “Promoting the efficient carrying outof municipal government throughout the State of Victoria and … watching over andprotecting the interests, rights and privileges of municipal corporations.”

With this accountability and responsibility in mind, the MAV has undertaken anintegrated research program in 2006 to support good local governance and to providea sound foundation for advocacy in this field. This research contains several streamsand includes:

Documenting and defining the skills, knowledge and competencies Victoriancouncillors need to properly fulfil their responsibilities. The document CouncillorCompetency Framework is the result of this work.Collating demographic and related data via a census to more fully understandthe current cohort of councillors, their needs and attributes. This paper,Councillor Census 2006 is the result of this work.Conducting a review of the levers and mechanisms available and needed tosupport and manage councillor conduct. This research extends the work of theGood Governance Advisory Group and the Good Governance Guide,developed in 2004. The paper, Managing Councillor Conduct is the result of thisresearch stream.

The results from the 2006 MAV Councillor Census along with comparison of the resultsfrom the 2003 census enables the MAV to analyse trends and monitor the changes ofelected members over time. The results assist the MAV to better represent the sector,advocate on behalf of its members and to assist councillors perform their role. The firstMAV census was conducted in 2003 and it is the MAV’s intention to repeat the censusfollowing each round of general elections.

Councillor Census - June 2006 Page 1 of 34

2 Introduction

In November 2005, 54 of Victoria’s 79 councils went to election. Of the 427 councillorselected, 201 were new to the role. In total, new councillors represent one-third of thetotal Victorian councillor population. In addition, for a variety of reasons, severalcouncils experienced significant turnover in their elected representatives, with newcouncillors in the majority.

The purpose of the census is to gather data on a range of demographic characteristicsand to provide a profile of the elected members of local government in Victoria. Thisexercise was conducted in 2003 (see MAV 2003 Councillor Census).

The 2006 census includes new questions relating to what councillors view as importantpriorities for citizenship, the goals of the country and ranking on competencies requiredfor carrying out councillor duties effectively. In addition, we gathered data on preferredmeans for learning new skills and increasing knowledge.

The findings reported here represent approximately 75% of councillors in Victoria.


3 Summary of Main Findings

The results from the 2006 Census and comparisons with the 2003 Census show that:

The majority of councillors are male, 69% (2003:71%).

Most councillors are over 46 years of age with 46-55 years the most commonage group (same for 2003).

The majority of councillors are born in Australia (same for 2003).

Two councillors are indigenous (same for 2003).

81% of councillors are married or de-facto (2003:85%).

39% of councillors report that they having caring responsibilities (2003:43%).

41% of councillors are self-employed (2003:49%) while another 36% areworking in paid employment. (2003: 32%)

The largest occupational category is Managers/Administrators and the secondlargest is Professionals (2003: primary producers).

Over 60% of councillors have either TAFE or university qualifications(2003:60%).

Female councillors have higher levels of qualification than male councillors(same for 2003).

The most common income level is $52,000 to $77,999 per annum (2003: lessthan $15,000).

The majority of councillors spend between 11 and 30 hours a week on councilduties.

29% of councillors identify with no political party and are ‘swing’ voters.

32% of councillors are a member of a political party, of these most identify asLabor or Liberal.

These results demonstrate that today’s councillors are relatively well educated, areemployed in occupations best described as Managers/Administrators and earn morethan the cohort of councillors surveyed in 2003. Female councillor numbers aregrowing and of newly elected councillors, they represent 47%. Female councillors havehigher education levels than male councillors and are more represented in the youngerage range (36 – 45) than males.

These results suggest that the skills, education and experience of people becomingcouncillors is rising and this should augur well for the sector and its image. Continuedefforts, however need to be made to enhance participation of a diversity of people toensure councillors are representative of the communities they serve.

Councillors continue to expend significant time performing their duties with 60%estimating they spend between 11 to 30 hours per week on council duties. Asignificant majority of councillors are employed (77%) - either running their ownbusiness/self employed or in paid employment - this represents a significantcontribution by them.


Political party membership or allegiences are balanced with unaligned swinging votersand shows that while the major political parties are represented there is still a sizeableproportion of councillors who are unaligned.

In terms of the issues facing Australia, councillors rated an ageing Australia,environmental damage and the gap between rich and poor as the top three items out ofa list of 18.

Of a range of six competencies required to be an effective councillor, leadership wasrated most important followed by governance. In view of the importance placed bycouncillors on environmental damage, the fact that councillors rated competency inenvironmental and asset management as last, may need further attention.

Councillors believe investing time in their professional development is important andare willing to set aside 21 days per annum for this. Much of this is preferred at face-to-face workshops and on the job training.


4 Gender Profile of Victorian Councillors

Figure 1 shows that the majority of councillors are male — 69% are male and 31%female.

Figure 1: Gender of Victorian Councillors (%)

What gender areyou?MaleFemale

31.1

68.9

Table 1: Type of council by gender (%)

Table 1 shows distribution of male and female councillor respondents by council area.There is a higher percentage of females in inner Melbourne and a lower percentage inregional cities (as compared to the percentages of males).

What type of council do you represent? What gender are you?Male Female Total

Outer MelbourneInner MelbourneRegional CitiesLarge RuralSmall RuralTotal

Councillor Census - June 2006

21.613.313.326.725.1

100.0

23.121.08.424.523.1

100.0

22.115.711.826.024.5

100.0

Page 5 of 34

Perc

e5 Age Profile of Victorian Councillors

The majority of councillors are over 46 years of age. More than 62% of councillors arebetween 46 and 65 years. There are also more councillors in the 66-75 years group(approximately 13%) than in the 26-35 years group (approximately 7%).

Figure 2: Age of Victorian Councillors

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

34.3%

27.8%

10.0%16.3%

13.1%

6.9%

0.0% 0.9% 0.7%

Less than25 years

26-35years old

36-45years old

46-55years old

56-65years old

66-75years old

Greaterthan 75

old


years old

Page 6 of 34

5 Age Profile of Victorian Councillors

Table 2 shows that there are more female councillors in the 26-35, the 36 to 45 and the46 to 55 years of age groups. However, this trend reverses in the older age groups.The biggest difference is that 23% of females are in the 36 to 45 age group while only13% of males are in this group. Sixteen per cent of males are between 66 and 75 yearswhile only 5% of females are in this age group.

Table 2: Age of councillors by gender (%)

What age bracket are you in? What gender are you?Male

Female

Total

Less than 25 years old26-35 years old36-45 years old46-55 years old56-65 years old66-75 years oldGreater than 75 years oldTotal


1.35.7

12.934.429.315.80.6

100.0

1.49.2

22.536.625.44.9

100.0

1.36.8

15.935.128.112.40.4

100.0

Page 7 of 34

5 Age Profile of Victorian Councillors

Table 3 shows age profiles by council area types. Of councillors in the youngest group50% are found in inner Melbourne councils. Of councillors between 26 and 45 thelargest numbers are found in outer Melbourne. Older councillors tend to be found inlarge and small rural councils (approximately 30% of 56-65 years group in large and35% in small rural councils). The same pattern is found in the 66 to 75 year old agegroups.

Table 3: Age of councillors by type of council (%)

What age bracket areyou in?

What type of council do you represent? Total

OuterMelbourne

InnerMelbourne

RegionalCities

LargeRural

SmallRural

Less than 25 years 33.3 50.0 . 16.7 . 100.0old26-35 years old 41.9 25.8 19.4 12.9 100.036-45 years old46-55 years old56-65 years old66-75 years oldGreater than 75

31.521.610.826.3

.

20.519.110.81.8

.

15.111.113.13.5

.

23.324.130.028.1100.0

9.624.135.540.4

.

100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0

years oldTotal 22.1 15.6 11.7 25.8 24.9 100.0


6 Background

Eighty-five per cent of this sample of councillors were born in Australia with 13% bornoverseas.

Table 4: Where were councillors born?

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

ValidAustraliaOverseasTotal

838777

472

1.881.916.3

100.0

1.881.916.3

100.0

1.883.7100.0

Of councillors born in Australia 69% had both parents born in Australia, 4% had anAustralian born father and overseas born mother, 6% had an Australian born motherand overseas born father and 8% had both parents born overseas. Of councillors bornoverseas the majority had parents born overseas.

Table 5: Birthplace of parents

Birthplace of councillor TotalFather Mother Australia Overseas

AustraliaAustraliaOverseasOverseas

AustraliaOverseasAustraliaOverseas

68.7 0.04.2 0.05.8 0.27.9 13.1

69.24.46.1

21.3

Two councillors identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, as demonstrated byTable 6.

Table 6: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Frequency Percent Valid Percent CumulativePercent

Valid

Missing

YesNoTotalSystem

2457459

7

0.497.998.31.7

0.499.6100.0

.4100.0

Total


467 100.0

Page 9 of 34

7 Disability

Approximately 10% (count = 46) of councillors report a disability (89.7% report nodisability). Of those reporting a disability, 70% say that council adequatelyaccommodates their disability needs, while 30% report their council does notaccommodate their disability support needs.

Table 7: If you have a disability does council accommodate your needs?Does your council adequatelyaccommodate any disability relatedsupport needs you have?

Yes NoTotal

70.0%


30.0% 100.0%

Page 10 of 34

Perc

ent

8 Marital status

The majority of councillors are married (>77%) or in a de facto relationship (>4%). Sixper cent have never married.

Figure 3: Marital status of councillors

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

77.1%

0.0%4.6% 3.9% 5.1% 2.8%

6.0%0 5%

Married De Facto Separated Divorced Widowed Never OtherMarried


9 Caring responsibilities

Table 8 shows that the majority of councillors live with a partner (184) or a partner plusone or more children (165). Caring responsibility is higher for those who live with apartner plus one or more children (72% of this group have caring responsibilities). Yet,this table also shows that caring responsibilities are spread across the different groups.For example, 13% of those living alone report having caring responsibilities.

Table 8: Cross tabulation of who councillors live with by their caringresponsibilities

Who currently lives with you? Do you have caringresponsibilities for

children and/ordependants?

Yes No

Total

Count 21 163 184A partner

A partner plus one or more children

No one, you live by yourself

One or more children

One or both of your parents

One of both of your parents plus others

One or more adults who are neither yourpartner nor parents

A partner plus other adults

A partner plus one or more children plusother adults

Total

%Count%

Count

%Count%Count%Count%Count%Count%Count%Count%

11.4%118

71.5%

6

13.0%20

90.9%1

20.0%2

50.0%1

14.3%0

0.0%4

80.0%173

39.0%

88.6%47

28.5%

40

87.7%2

9.1%4

80.0%2

50.0%6

85.7%6

100.0%1

20.0%271

61.0%

100.0%165

100.0%

46

100.0%22

100.0%5

100.0%4

100.0%7

100.0%5

100.0%5

100.0%444

100.0%


Perc

ent

10 Employment Status

Figure 4 shows that over 40% of councillors are self employed and over 36% work in

paid employment. Twelve per cent of this sample of councillors are retired.

Figure 4: Employment status

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0% 40.8%36.1%

10.0%

12.0%

0.0% 1.9% 0.9%3.5% 3.5%


Table 9 shows employment status by council area. Rural councils (both large andsmall) have higher numbers of self employed councillors. Outer and inner Melbourneand regional cities have greater numbers of councillors in paid employment. Regionalcities have the greatest numbers of retired councillors, with small rural the next.

Table 9: Employment status by type of council area (%)

What type of council do you represent?Total

Which of thefollowing best

OuterMelbourne

InnerMelbourne

RegionalCities

LargeRural

SmallRural

describes yourcurrent situation(excluding your workas a councillor)?Working in paid 48.5 55.1 46.2 23.5 19.3 35.5employmentSelf employedUnemployed-looking

25.72.0

26.11.4

26.91.90

54.81.7

56.11.8

41.01.8

for workRetired from paid 12.9 4.3 15.4 13.0 14 12.0workA full-time school or 3.0 4.3 . . . 1.3university studentHousehold dutiesHelping a family

5.9.

4.31.4

3.8.

2.60.9

1.8 3.50.4

memberLiving with a 1.0 . . 0.9 0.9 0.7disabilityOtherTotal

1.0100.0

2.9100.0

5.8100.0

2.6100.0

6.1100.0

3.5100.0


Perc

ent

11 Occupation

Figure 5 shows the largest occupational group represented is Managers andSupervisors followed by Professionals. These two groups account for 80% of thissample of councillors.

Figure 5: Occupation Categories

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

43.1%20.0%

36.9%

10.0%

0.0%4.5% 4.2% 4.7%

2.7% 1.2% 2.0%

What is (or was) your occupation?


Table 10 shows occupational groups by type of employer. Over 26% of all councillorswork for private companies or businesses, greater than 28% for the government or agovernment owned enterprise, 9.8% for non-government organisations and more than33% run a family business/farm or are self-employed.

Table 10: Occupation by type of employer (% of total)

Who do (or did) you work for? Total

What is (orwas) your

A privatecompany

FederalGovt.

StateGovt.

LocalGovt.

A Govt.business

A familybusiness

Self-employed

Self-employed

A non-Govt.

occupation? orbusiness

orenterprise

or farm w/oemployee

w/employee

organisation including

s s charitiesManagers and 10.5% 2.6% 4.9% 0.7% 1.4% 8.2% 3.3% 5.8% 4.9% 42.3%administratorsProfessionals 8.9% 1.4% 10.3 0.9% 2.1% 1.4% 4.4% 3.5% 4.o% 36.9%

%Associate 0.7% 0.7% 0.9% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.7% 0.5% 0.5% 4.7%professionalsTradespersons 0.7% . . . . 1.4% 0.9% 1.2% . 4.2%and associatedworkersAdvanced 1.9% . 1.4% . 0.5% 0.2% 0.5% . 0.2% 4.7%clerical andserviceworkersIntermediate 1.4% 0.2% 0.2% . . 0.2% 0.7% 0.5% . 3.0%clerical, salesand serviceworkersIntermediate 0.5% . . . . . 0.2% . . 0.7%production andtransportworkersElementary 0.7% 0.2% 0.2% . . 0.2% . . . 1.4%clerical, salesand serviceworkersLabourers and 1.2% . . 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% . 0.2% 2.1%relatedworkersTotal 26.4% 5.1% 18% 2.1% 4.2% 12.1% 10.5% 11.7% 9.8% 100.0%


11 Occupation

Table 11 shows that 40% of female councillors are managers, 36% professionals, 7%associate professionals and 9% advanced clerical and sales workers. Of malecouncillors 44% are manager/administrators, more than 37% are professionals, over5% are tradespersons/associated workers and the rest are dispersed across the otheroccupational groups.

Table 11: Occupation by gender (%)

What is (or was) your occupation? What gender are you?Male Female Total

Managers and administrators

ProfessionalsAssociate professionalsTradespersons and associated workers

Advanced clerical and service workers

Intermediate clerical, sales and service

43.9

36.83.55.6

2.8

2.5

39.9

35.57.21.4

8.7

4.3

42.6

36.44.74.3

4.7

3.1workersIntermediate production and transportworkers

1.1 0.7

Elementary clerical, sales and service 1.4 1.4 1.4workersLabourers and related workers

Total


2.5

100.0

1.4

100.0

2.1

100.0

Page 17 of 34

Perc

ent

12 Level of Education

Figure 7 shows the percentages of councillors that have completed various levels ofschooling.

Figure 7: Education level of councillors

30%

25%

20%

15%27.42%

10% 20.97% 21.43%

17.74%

12.44%5%

0%Did not

complete highschool

Completed highschool

CompletedTAFE

qualification

Completeduniversity

degree

Completeduniversity post

graduatedegree


Table 12 shows the educational levels of councillors by council area. Outer Melbournehas more councillors with TAFE and university degrees (25% and 31% respectively).Inner Melbourne has more councillors with university and post-graduate qualifications(28% and 32% respectively). Regional cities have more councillors with high school(>22%) and university (37%). Large and small rural councils have the largest number ofcouncillors who did not complete high school.

Table 12: Education levels by type of council area (%)

What type ofcouncil do you

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

represent? Did notcomplete

high

Completedhigh school(i.e. year 12)

CompletedTAFE

qualification

Completeduniversity

degree (i.e.

Completeduniversity post

graduate

Total

school (i.e.certificate,

bachelorsdegree)

degree (i.e.PhD, masters)

diploma)Outer MelbourneInner MelbourneRegional CitiesLarge RuralSmall RuralTotal

13.64.214.833.925.220.4

16.519.722.215.318.317.8

25.215.514.821.227.021.9

31.128.237.022.022.626.9

13.632.411.17.67.0

13.0

100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0100.0


Table 13 shows that more than 62% of councillors have TAFE or Universityqualifications. Female councillors have higher levels of qualifications than males.

Table 13: Education level by gender (%)

What is the highest level of education that you What gender are you?have completed?

Did not complete high school

Completed high school (i.e. year 12)

Completed TAFE qualification (i.e. certificate,

Male

23.9

19.4

21.7

Female

12.7

12.7

23.9

Total

20.4

17.5

22.4diploma)

Completed university degree (i.e. bachelors 24.5 33.7 26.8degree)

Completed university post graduate degree (i.e. 10.2 19 12.9PhD, masters)

Total


100.0 100.0 100.0

Page 20 of 34

13 Income

Figure 8 depicts the income levels of the councillors in this sample. Over 21% ofcouncillors report incomes of between $52,000-77,999 per annum.

Figure 8: Income levels of councillors

$2,000 or more per week($104,000 or more per ...$1,500-$1,999 per week

($78,000-$103,999 per ...$1000-$1,499 per week($52,000-$77,999 per ...

$800-$999 per week($41,600-$51,999 per ...

$700-$799 per week($36,400-$41,599 per ...

$600-$699 per week($31,200-$36,399 per ...

$500-$599 per week($26,000-$31,199 per ...

$400-$499 per week($20,800-$25,999 per ...

$300-$399 per week($15,600-$20,799 per ...

$200-$299 per week($10,400-$15,599 per ...

$160-$199 per week($8,320-10,399 per year)

$120-$159 per week($6,240-$8,319 per year)

$1-$119 per week($1-$6,239 per year)

Nil income

7.37%

6.88%

9.83%

8.11%

6.14%

6.39%

7.13%

8.35%

5.16%

1.72%

1.97%

3.69%

5.9%

21.38%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0%

Percent


Table 14 shows income levels by gender. The table shows that female councillorsreport lower income levels. Twenty-seven per cent of male councillors report earningbetween $52,000-77,999.

Table 14: Income level of councillors by gender (%)

What is your gross annual income before tax What gender are you? Total(excluding councillor allowances or otherdeductions)?

Male Female

Nil income$1-$119 per week ($1-$6,239 per year)

$120-$159 per week ($6,240-$8,319 per year)

$160-$199 per week ($8,320-10,399 per year)

$200-$299 per week ($10,400-$15,599 per

3.73.1

1.4

1.7

3.4

11.54.6

3.1

1.5

10.8

6.13.5

1.9

1.6

5.6year)$300-$399 per week ($15,600-$20,799 per 7.1 10.8 8.2year)$400-$499 per week ($20,800-$25,999 per 6.1 9.2 7.1year)$500-$599 per week ($26,000-$31,199 per 5.8 6.2 5.9year)$600-$699 per week ($31,200-$36,399 per 5.8 6.9 6.1year)$700-$799 per week ($36,400-$41,599 per 7.1 10.8 10.4year)$800-$999 per week ($41,600-$51,999 per 10.2 10.8 10.4year)$1000-$1,499 per week ($52,000-$77,999 per 25.8 8.5 20.5year)$1,500-$1,999 per week ($78,000-$103,999 per 9.2 3.8 7.5year)$2,000 or more per week ($104,000 or more per 9.8 1.5 7.3year)Total


100.0 100.0 100.0

Page 22 of 34

Table 15 shows that councillors in large and small rural councils report lower incomes.Inner Melbourne councillors report higher incomes.

Table 15: Income level by type of council area (%)

What type of council do you represent?Gross annual income Outer

MelbourneInner

MelbourneRegional

CitiesLargeRural

SmallRural

Total

(includinginterface)

Nil income$1-$119 per week ($1-$6,239 per

7.43.2

7.45.9

5.7 5.75.7

4.62.8

6.03.5

year)$120-$159 per week ($6,240- 2.1 1.5 1.9 0.9 2.8 1.9$8,319 per year)$160-$199 per week ($8,320- 1.1 . . 2.8 2.8 1.610,399 per year)$200-$299 per week ($10,400- 3.2 . 3.8 8.5 9.2 5.6$15,599 per year)

$300-$399 per week ($15,600- 4.2 8.8 9.4 9.4 10.1 8.4$20,799 per year)

$400-$499 per week ($20,800- 8.4 5.9 13.2 3.8 6.4 7.0$25,999 per year)

$500-$599 per week ($26,000- 3.2 4.4 1.9 9.4 9.2 6.3$31,199 per year)

$600-$699 per week ($31,200- 5.3 10.3 11.3 2.8 4.6 6.0$36,399 per year)

$700-$799 per week ($36,400- 7.4 5.9 7.5 8.5 11.0 8.4$41,599 per year)

$800-$999 per week ($41,600- 14.7 5.9 7.5 14.2 8.3 10.7$51,999 per year)

$1000-$1,499 per week ($52,000- 24.2 23.5 20.8 17.0 17.4 20.2$77,999 per year)

$1,500-$1,999 per week 9.5 10.3 9.4 6.6 3.7 7.4($78,000-$103,999 per year)

$2,000 or more per week 6.3 10.3 7.5 5.7 5.3 7.2($104,000 or more per year)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0


14 Distribution of Respondents by Council Area

Table 16 represents the distribution of respondents across council areas.

Table 16: What type of council?


Valid Outer Melbourne 95 21.7 21.8 21.8(includinginterface)

MissingTotal

Inner MelbourneRegional CitiesLarge RuralSmall RuralTotalSystem

7051

1111094361

437

16.011.725.424.999.80.2

100.0

16.111.725.525.0100.0

37.849.575.0100.0


Perc

ent

15 Councillor Service and Duties

Figure 9 shows the distribution of respondents according to length of council service.Over 34% are newly (? First-time)elected councillors. Just over 30% have been inservice for over seven years.

Figure 9: Length of councillor service

40%

30%

20%

34.88%

10%

12.56%

21.16%

0%

10.47% 10.47%8.84%

1.63%

1 year or 2-3 years 4-6 years 7-9 years 10-15 16-25 26+ yearsless

(newlyelected)


years years

Page 25 of 34

Table 17 shows that female councillors are more likely to be newly elected (>46% offemale councillors are newly elected). By contrast approximately 30% of malecouncillors are newly elected. The majority of female councillors have served less thanseven years with fewer than 17% serving more than seven years. Thirty-eight per centof male councillors have served more than seven years.

Table 17: Length of councillor service by gender (%)

How long have you been in council What gender are you? Totalservice Male Female

1 year or less (newly elected)

2-3 years4-6 years7-9 years10-15 years16-25 years26+ yearsTotal

29.9

11.620.412.612.211.22.0

100.0

46.9

14.622.36.25.43.8.8

100.0

35.1

12.521.010.610.19.01.7

100.0

Table 18 shows length of council service by type of council. Regional city councils havethe largest percentage of newly elected councillors (40%) with large rural the smallest(28%) number of newly elected councillors. Large and small rural councils have largernumbers of longer serving councillors.

Table 18: Length of councillor service by type of council area (%)

How long have you been incouncil service

What type of council do you represent?Total

OuterMelbourne

InnerMelbourne

RegionalCities

LargeRural

SmallRural

1 year or less (newly elected)

2-3 years4-6 years7-9 years10-15 years16-25 years26+ yearsTotal

39.4

12.817.011.79.69.6

100.0

36.2

15.920.310.110.15.81.4

100.0

40.0

14.028.04.02.0

10.02.0

100.0

28.0

12.123.410.313.110.32.8

100.0

33.9

10.120.212.812.88.31.8

100.0

34.7

12.621.210.510.58.91.6

100.0


Perc

ent

Figure 10 shows that the majority of councillors spend between 11 and 30 hours aweek on their council duties and almost 30% spend 31 to 50 hours per week.

Figure 10: Hours spent on councillor duties

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0% 60.55%

20.0%

29.82%

10.0%

0.0%3.67%

5.96%

10 hours or less


11-30 hours 31-50 hours 51 hours or more

Page 27 of 34

Perc

ent

16 Political Party Membership and Identification

Table 19 show that approximately 32% of councillors report they are a member of apolitical party, while over 68% report no political party membership.

Table 19: Political party membership of councillors


Valid

Missing

YesNoTotalSystem

145314459

8

31.067.298.31.7

31.668.4100.0

31.6100.0

Total 467 100.0

Figure 11 provides a graphical display of the political allegiances of the councillorssurveyed.

Figure 11: Political identification (of all respondents)

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

20.14%

25.9%

8.15%

5.04%

29.26%

10.79%

0%


0.72%

Page 28 of 34

Table 20 shows the political identification of those who report they are a political partymember and those that report they are not political party members. Of those that are amember of a political party, over 22% identify themselves as Liberal, 54.9% as Laborand 9% as National. Only 0.8% of this group report they identify as No Party/Swingingvoter. By contrast, of those that report no party membership, more than 18% identify asLiberal, approximately 12% as Labor while greater than 42% report No Party/Swingingvoter.

Table 20: Political party membership by political identification (%)

Political identification

LiberalLabor (ALP)NationalAustralian DemocratGreenNo Party/SwingOther Party/IndependentTotal


Are you currently a member of apolitical party?

Yes No22.6 18.754.9 12.49.0 7.81.5 0.47.5 3.90.8 42.83.8 14.1

100.0 100.0

Total

20.026.08.20.75.0

29.310.8

100.0

Page 29 of 34

17 Citizenship

Table 21 shows the opinions of councillors about how important the issues listed ‘as towhat it takes to be a good citizen.’ Each ‘cell’ in the table depicts the percentage ofcouncillors who rate the issue as unimportant, not very important, important, or veryimportant. The majority of councillors think that voting, never evading taxes, obeyinglaws and regulations, and understanding others with differing opinions are veryimportant for being a good citizen.

Table 21: Citizenship, what is important to being a good citizen? (%)

Unimportant Not VeryImportant

Important VeryImportant

Always vote in electionsNever try to evade taxesAlways obey laws and

1.01.01.0

2.04.01.0

22.033.040.0

75.062.059.0

regulationsTry to understand the 1.0 2.0 41.0 57.0reasoning of people with otheropinionsHelp people in Australia who 0.0 3.0 4.70 49.0are worse off than yourselfKeep watch on the actions of 1.0 5.0 50.0 45.0governmentBe active in social and political 5.0 21.0 50.0 24.0associationsChoose products for political, 5.0 21.0 52.0 22.0ethical or environmentalreasons, even if they cost a bitmoreBe willing to serve in the 17.0 25.0 37.0 21.0military at a time of need


18 Goals of the nation

Table 22 represents the number of councillors who ranked each issue either as themost important (1) or the next most important (2) on what the aims of the countryshould be for the next ten years. A high level of economic growth and people ‘havingmore say’ are the top ranked aims.

Table 22: Priority goals of the nation

Goals/RankA high level of economic growthPeople should have more sayTrying to make our cities and countryside more beautifulMaking sure this country has strong defence forces

1180171

2423

2131112

7973

Table 23 represents another four aims. Protecting freedom of speech and givingpeople more say in government decisions are the most highly ranked goals. While anumber of councillors also felt maintaining order was important.

Table 23: Priority goals of the nation

Goals/RankProtecting freedom of speechGiving people more say in important government decisionsMaintaining order in the nationFighting rising prices


1157124103

25

2134128

7666

Page 31 of 34

19 Issues Facing Australia

Table 24 contains the ranking of a number of issues facing Australia in descendingorder of importance as ranked by respondents. An ageing population, environmentaldamage and social and economic inequality are ranked by the councillors surveyed asthe most important issues facing Australia.

Table 24: Most important issues facing Australia (ordered most important, nextmost)Issue/RankAn ageing populationEnvironmental damageGap between rich and poorLack of moral valuesTaxes too highHospital health careRed tape holding back businessAustralian jobs going overseasMinorities too much sayLack of affordable housingGovernment corruptionDrugsInadequate public transportCrimeAboriginal reconciliationTerrorismRefugees/asylum seekersAustral military involvement overseas


19984684737252423232221151412111010

9

252555332304118382338181429141919

515

Page 32 of 34

20 Councillor Competencies, Training & Professional Development

Table 25 presents the results of rank ordering (from 1 to 6, 1 is the most important and6 the least important) competencies required to be an effective councillor. The resultsshow that Leadership is ranked as the most important competency. By contrast,environment and asset management is considered to be least important by 134respondents.

Table 25: Competencies required to be an effective councillor (rank ordered 1-6)

Competency/RankLeadershipGovernanceStrategy and policy planningRelationship managementFinancial managementEnvironment and asset

1244

5449333321

2658265847553

34479

104548436

4336576618677

5215872818581

66

71439548

134management

Table 26 presents the results of councillors’ personal preferences for learning newskills and knowledge. 1 is the most preferred method while 6 is the least preferredmethod. Face-to-face workshops and on-the-job training are the most preferredmethods reported. On-line learning is the least preferred method for a large number ofcouncillors.

Table 26: Ranked methods of learning new skills

Method/RankFace to face workshopOn-the-job trainingOne to one coachingConferencesReading (journals, books)Online learning

1179128

704518

8

2121128

79603218

36379

101856927

4326072

1297064

515246072

130122

6143

4251

121195

The average number of days councillors should dedicate to training and professionaldevelopment in their role as councillor is 21.

Table 27: Average number of days that should be devoted to professionaldevelopment

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

How many days per year 438 0 365 21.42 52.0should a Councillortypically dedicate totraining and professionaldevelopment for their role?


20 Councillor Competencies, Training & Professional Development

As illustrated in Table 28, the majority of councillors (approximately 61%) report thatprofessional development should be accredited as part of a qualification while 37%report that it shouldn’t be accredited as part of a qualification.

Table 28: Should Councillor professional development be accredited as part of aqualification?


Valid

Missing

Yes

NoTotalSystem

265

171458

9

61.5

36.698.11.9

62.7

37.3100.0

62.7

100.0

Total


467 100.0

Page 34 of 34

councillor census 2006 (word - 314kb) - mav.asn.au web viewmunicipal association of victoria. 2006...

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