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- info@lgant.asn.au
With the local government supplementary elections approaching, now is the time to consider stepping forward. Local councils are the level of government closest to where people live — they’re the first place people turn when something needs to be done. From roads and parks to local services and community support, council decisions shape everyday life. By nominating as a candidate, you have the opportunity to help guide those decisions and make a real difference where it matters most. If you care about your community, you’re already halfway there.
Too many people don’t put themselves forward for council because they think they don’t have the right skills or experience. But you don’t need to know it all on day one — new councillors receive training and professional development to help them succeed in the role. Leadership isn’t a prerequisite, it’s something you grow into, with our support along the way. You’ll learn how meetings work, how budgets are made, and how to speak up for your community.
You should nominate to be on local council if:
➝ You’re a good listener and are ready to learn
➝ You want to help your local community
➝ You care about helping others
If you care about your community, if you listen to others, if you already help out at the footy club, local school, around the neighbourhood, or advocating for others, you’re already doing the work.
Local councils need people like you to nominate. People who show up. People with lived experience. People who want to make a difference, not just talk about it. Good councils need all kinds of people. Because better decisions start with people who live them every day.
Our councils are only as strong as the people who step forward to lead them. And right now, we need more voices at the table. In the 2021 local government elections, fewer than two people nominated for every available council position, and key groups, including women and young adults, were underrepresented.
When councils reflect the full diversity of their communities, everyone benefits. Different perspectives lead to better decisions, and stronger, more inclusive outcomes for all.
If you want to see change, why not be part of it?
Not all council positions are always filled at the time of a general election. When this occurs, supplementary elections are held to ensure all communities are fully represented.
By-elections may also be held during a council term if a vacancy arises, such as when a councillor resigns or retires.
Results and current vacancies can be viewed here.
Being a councillor isn’t a full-time job so you don’t have to make any big changes to your life. You’ll be part of a team that listens to the community and decides how to spend money, plan services and shape the future.
You’ll help make decisions about everyday things that matter — sport and recreation facilities, community services and safety, local jobs and youth programs, parks, civic infrastructure and waste services.
As a councillor, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape the services and facilities that matter to your community, bring cultural knowledge into local decision-making, create a better community for future generations, and be a role model.
Most people are eligible to nominate, but there are a few exceptions listed under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 2019. These are rare, but it’s worth checking with the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) or your local council if you’re unsure about your eligibility.
Anyone can stand for election as a council member if they are at least 18 years old, are an Australian citizen, and live in the local council area in which they are nominating. That’s it!
To nominate for council (once applicable), start by completing the Local Government Elections nomination form at ntec.nt.gov.au/elections.
➝ You’ll need to provide a recent head-and-shoulders photo.
➝ You need to be nominated by at least one person enrolled in the local council area you’re standing for.
➝ Submit your form and photo either in person at the NTEC office in Darwin or Alice Springs, or online at ntec.nt.gov.au
The Northern Territory Electoral Commission will declare all the successful candidates for the Local Government (including Supplementary) Elections at their office, with a live stream on the NTEC website.
After candidates have been declared, NTEC will determine the order that candidates will appear on the ballot paper for each election by draw.
NTEC has put together a helpful Candidate Handbook and additional resources with everything you need to know about the process including your responsibilities as a candidate, campaigning and advertising guidelines, rules around accepting donations, and more.
Please note some images used are artist impressions.
Your campaign lets voters know you are running in the election and your reasons why. You don’t need a lot of money, but will need to do your homework and plan your campaign carefully.
We’ve put together a handy guide on how to run a successful campaign, from outreach tips, and online campaigning, to legal requirements for campaign signage and print materials.
Every four years, residents in the Northern Territory are required to vote for who will represent them on their local government council.
It is an important decision because local government is the layer of government closest to the people. When residents have a concern about something in their community, the local council is where people go first.
Becoming an elected member of a council is a great way to influence the direction of your community.
Our councils are as strong as the individuals elected to them. We are lucky to have many fine council members in the Northern Territory, but not enough members of the community nominate to run for council. On average, fewer than two persons nominated for each council position in the 2021 local government elections.
Our councils are stronger when there is more competition for council positions.
Our councils are stronger when they reflect the diversity of the communities they represent. In the 2017 local government elections both women and young adults (18-35 years) were under-represented in the nominations for local council positions.
Diversity on councils is important because councils represent the interests of all members of their communities.
LGANT is committed to inspiring people from all walks of life to nominate for local council in the August 2025 elections.
If you have a strong desire to make a difference in your community then you should consider nominating for council.
Too many people do not consider running for local council because they believe they have insufficient leadership experience, knowledge or skills. In fact, experience is not needed. New council members receive training and professional development opportunities to fill any gaps in skills or knowledge.
Remember, no one has all the leadership skills, knowledge and experience on their first day as a new councillor, these are developed over time.
Give serious consideration to nominating for council if you are:
The first step on your path to becoming a councillor is nominating for a council position.
Most people are eligible to stand for election to council if they are:
There are some reasons why a person may not be eligible to be a member of a council. These are set forth in section 47 of the Local Government Act 2019. Anyone considering nominating for a position on council should check that they meet each of the criteria.
After confirming that you are eligible to nominate for a council position, fill out a nomination form. You can obtain a nomination form from the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) or your local council office. Other resources such as a candidate handbook, are also available from NTEC.
For information on enrolling or updating your enrolment information visit NTEC.