Becoming an elected member

Elected Members play an important community leadership role and being on a Council is one way you can ensure community perspectives are heard and considered in local decision-making.

Improving your community starts with local government. If you want to make a difference to your local facilities and services, consider becoming a candidate.

Any eligible elector in the Shire of Ashburton (who is 18 years of age or older and who is not disqualified) can stand as a candidate in Shire of Ashburton local government elections. Please note, nominees of a body corporate cannot stand for election.

For more information on how local governments operate, standing for Council, the role of an elected member, nominating to be an elected member and electoral gift and crowdfunding, please visit the Department of Local Government's website.

Nominating to be an Elected Member

Before commencing the nomination process with the Returning Officer, candidates must complete a compulsory online induction. This induction covers the following topics:

  • About government in Australia
  • Local government in WA
  • Local government decision-making
  • The role of council members
  • Community, council members and local government employees
  • Types of decisions by council members
  • Qualities and skills of effective council members
  • Code of Conduct
  • Gifts and conflicts of interest
  • Local elections
  • Election campaigns
  • Declaration and remuneration
  • Why stand for council?
  • What should you do now?
  • Support and information available

The compulsory online induction can be accessed here: Candidate Induction

Nominations can only be submitted to the Returning Officer once the nomination period opens on 28 August 2025.The nomination period closes at 4.00pm 4 September 2025. A valid nomination consists of the following:

  • a completed nomination form - it is recommended that candidates use the online Nomination Builder to lodge their nomination and construct their candidate profile.
  • a candidate profile (1000 characters maximum) which must:
    • be in English
    • confined to biographical information about the candidate, and statements about the candidate's policies or belief
    • not contain false, defamatory or misleading information
    • fit on an A4 page
    • include the candidate's full name and contact information
    • a photograph, no larger than passport sized and taken in the last six months (optional)
    • a deposit of $100 is required to be paid. Cash is the only payment method accepted by the Returning Officer.

Candidates may also provide a written statement in English, of up to 2,000 characters (including spaces) with their nomination paper (optional). All nomination applications must be signed by the candidate in front of a witness. 

To assist candidates, a step-by-step instructional video is available, guiding users on how to use the Nomination Builder, forms and other information is avaiable Here

Candidate Information Briefing Webinar 

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) together with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) and the WA Electoral Commission, will be hosting an online Election Candidate Information Briefing webinar on Monday 18 August commencing at 6.00pm.

This session is designed to support individuals considering nomination and will provide a clear overview of:

  • the election process
  • the responsibilities of Council Members and Local Governments
  • the regulatory role of LGIRS in Western Australia

The following presenters will cover a range of topics, with the aim of preparing candidates for the electoral process, and if elected, life as an Elected Member, hearing from:

•   Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA - Minister for Local Government; Disability Services; Volunteering; Youth; Gascoyne
•   Karen Chappel AM JP - President, WALGA
•   Dennis O’Reilly - Acting WA Electoral Commissioner, together with Phillip Richards - Manager Election Events.
•   Erin Gauntlett - LGIRS Deputy Director General
•   Tony Brown - Executive Director Member Services, WALGA.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session or via email, afterwards.

To register for this webinar, use this link: Information Session