Understanding Local Government-Online Course

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has selected South Metropolitan TAFE as an approved training provider for the development and delivery of the Council Member Essentials course for elected members. 

Council Member Essentials is a five unit training program that local government council members are required to complete within 12 months of being elected. The purpose of the training is to provide practical information that will help you become familiar with the skills, knowledge and responsibilities of your role as a councillor. The course outlines information you will need to know about the way Local Government works in Western Australia under the Local Government Act 1995 and explains in simple terms important information to assist you in the performance of your duties as a councillor. 

The Understanding Local Government unit provides participants with:

• An understanding of the composition, structure and operational functions of Government in Australia, and in particular Western Australian Local Government.
• An overview of local government roles and functions in Western Australia
• Explains how local government fits into the overall structure of government in Australia.

Course code and fees*

S0184P - $250.00
*fees are all inclusive of course materials, assessment and Certificate of Completion 

This course requires online self-paced study of 3 - 4 hours in total. You will have 3 months from date of enrolment to complete this unit.

We recommend you begin at unit 1: Understanding Local Government, but if you have completed this in prior study, you can begin with Serving on Council, or other units in the pathway to suit your progression. 

Explore the full pathway and apply