Angela4Council

01/08/2026

Tasmanian local government elections will be conducted in September and October this year.

In a previous post we talked about what is local government and why we should care, council functions and responsibilities that improve our every day lives and the beautiful place that we are so fortunate to live in.

We might well ask and want to understand just what is the role/job description of an elected councillor?

The answer to this is that it is quite a complex role.
Councillors serve the community by observation and making enquires, listening to and understanding the views of residents and local businesses and representing the views of residents and local businesses on the council.
Councillors should be aware of issues in the community and strive to anticipate upcoming issues.

* LISTEN to the community

In the performance of their role councillor’s should work respectfully and with all other councillors (a total of seven elected councillors in the Northern Midlands Council) in making the strategic collaborative decisions about how the council can address community needs and issues.

Councillors need to work to ensure they are acting in the community’s best interests: A key objective of a council is to work towards achieving the best outcomes for the local
community whilst considering the long-term and cumulative effects of decisions and to use resources in a socially just and sustainable way.
Councillors determine the priorities for services, programs, infrastructure, and supporting policies.

* WORK hard

Functions of councillors
Section 28 of the Local Government Act sets out the functions of councillors:

(1) A councillor, in the capacity of an individual councillor, has the
following functions:

(a) to represent the community;
This may comprise:
Considering the interests of the community in forming views and
judgements on business before the council.
Retaining an open mind and considering all evidence and information.
Requesting relevant information on the matter, in writing, to the general
manager as specified in Section 28A of the Act.
Recognising that decisions will not always have the unanimous support
of all elected members or the community.

(b) to act in the best interests of the community;

(c) listening to individual constituents, interest groups and lobbying bodies,
making decisions that are fair and equitable and in the interests of the
whole community.
to facilitate communication by the council with the community;
Through:

(d) (e) Taking whatever actions are reasonable to enable the views and
opinions of citizens to be heard and considered.
Accurately and succinctly reporting and conveying the decisions of
council.
to participate in the activities of the council;
to undertake duties and responsibilities as authorised by the council.

Acting in the best interests of the community and making decisions that are fair and equitable and in the interests of the
whole community.

Facilitating communication by the council with the community;

Accurately and succinctly reporting and conveying the decisions of
council.
to participate in the activities of the council; to undertake duties and responsibilities as authorised by the council.

(2) The councillors of a council collectively have the following functions:

(a) to develop and monitor the implementation of strategic plans and
budgets;

(b) to determine and monitor the application of policies, plans and
programs for – the efficient and effective provision of services and
facilities; and

(c) (d) (e) (f) the efficient and effective management of assets; and
the fair and equitable treatment of employees of the
council;
to facilitate and encourage the planning and development of
the municipal area in the best interests of the community;
to appoint and monitor the performance of the general
manager;
to determine and review the council's resource allocation and
expenditure activities;
to monitor the manner in which services are provided.

* ACCOUNTABLE

22/07/2026

Tasmanian local government elections will be conducted in September and October this year.

What is local government and why should we care?

We are so very fortunate in Australia to live, work and play in a very beautiful and safe country that is governed by a representative system of democracy.

This means that we all have the privelidge and right to vote for and elect the people that we think will best represent us to govern-making the decisions that affect our everyday lives and the beautiful place we live in.

In Australia we have three levels of government- local, state and federal.
The three levels govern and provide services to the community.
They have distinct responsibilities and functions yet there are many similarities and much cross over.

Local government, or councils, are the closest level of government to the people and councils best understand the needs of their local area.

Some of the essential services that councils provide are:

* roads, bridges and footpaths

* parks, playgrounds, dog exercise areas and sporting facilities

* animal control

* waste and recycling

* public health and food safety

* local events

* land use planning, building and environmental services

* street lighting

* information services

* swimming pools

* community halls and facilities

* support services for younger people, older people and people with a disability

* tourism initiatives

* promoting economic development

* coastal care

* planning for and response to emergencies and natural disasters

The functions and powers of councils are prescribed in Section 20 of the Local Government Act:

(1) The council of a municipal area has the following functions:

(a) to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the community;

(b) to represent and promote the interests of the community;

(c) to provide for the peace, order and good government of the
municipal area.

(2) In performing its functions, a council is to consult, involve and be accountable
to the community.

Tasmania has 29 councils each responsible for governing a defined area that can vary in geography, area and population size.

Each council comprises of councillors who include a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Councillors form the group of elected members that meet to make collective decisions about the council area.
Each council employs staff that make the decisions happen.
The General Manager or Chief Executive Officer is the most senior staff member and they are responsible for employing and managing all other council staff, managing the general administration of council functions, advising councillors and ensuring the council acts within the law.

If we think about and understand all of the services that councils provide we can appreciate the importance of the role and responsibilities of councils in our communities and how it affects our everyday lives.

This is why we should care and start to think about the upcoming local government elections in Tasmania.

At local government elections we have the opportunity every four years to vote for those people we think will best represent us in making the decisions that do affect our everyday lives and the place that we live, work and recreate in.

20/07/2026

Tasmanians will be voting again in local elections this year but when is the election announced and when should you expect intending candidates to be campaigning?

In September and October 2026, elections will be conducted in all 29 of Tasmania's local government areas. This includes the election of councillors, a mayor and a deputy mayor for each council.

Local government elections are conducted by postal ballot and voting is compulsory for all electors on the State roll.

Campaigning can start any time and already has for many people that have announced that they intend to nominate -myself included.

The official campaign period starts from the announcement of nominations to the close of polls.
It is 100 days before the close of polls.

Election timetable

Saturday 5 September
Notice of election published

6 pm Thursday 10 September
Electoral rolls close

9 am Monday 7 September
Nominations open

6 pm Thursday 10 September
Enrolment closes

12 noon Monday 21 September
Nominations close

12 noon Tuesday 22 September
Nominations announced

From Monday 5 October-9 October
Ballot packs delivered by post

2 pm Tuesday 27 October
Close of poll

From 9 am Wednesday 28 October
Counting commences

09/07/2026

I am very excited to announce that I intend to stand for councillor AND deputy mayor for the Northern Midlands Council (NMC) in the upcoming Tasmanian council elections October 2026!

I am standing because I believe that we are all, for our relatively short time on this earth, the temporary guardians of everything that makes Lutruwita/Tasmania such a very special place to live and that we should do what we can to ensure that it remains so in our lifetimes and for generations to come.

For as long as I can remember I have had a love of animals and nature and a strong sense of social justice.
I have been practicing as a veterinarian in the community for 35 years. Working for the professional body for 20 years I developed a passion for and appreciation of:

* collaborative, robust, evidence based policy development

* good governance including transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility and integrity

Not always experiencing or seeing this I have given much thought about where and how I could work and contribute to positive change for communities, animals and the environment, and have seen that for me this could be in government.

We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful, peaceful and safe place and we are very lucky to live in a country with a representative system of democracy. This means that we have the opportunity to vote for and elect people to govern that we think best reflect our values when they are making the decisions that affect our everyday lives and the places where we live.

With your help, if I have the privilege, honour and responsibility of being elected, my commitment to the community will be threefold:

1. LISTEN. To this end I have been visiting and observing all of the towns and environs that make up the NMC local government area, listening to people where they live and work or are visiting, observing and researching so that I can better understand what it is that you care about and what it is that is important to you.

2. WORK HARD collaboratively with all other elected councillors to make the best decisions and deliver meaningful outcomes.

3. I promise to be ACCOUNTABLE for my actions and decisions and behave professionally.

I promise to work hard and represent the people of the Northern Midlands local council area in a considered, open and transparent manner.

My vision is for an effective and productive council where we are all working together to do what we can to protect this precious place we live in and for us all to live a good life.

I will work collaboratively with all elected councillors to deliver the best solutions for people, animals and the environment.

Come and have a chat you will find me at the pink marquee Evandale Market every Sunday.

To stay updated on the campaign please like and follow this page and feel free to reach out with your thoughts and ideas.

If you would like to help letterbox dropping or hosting a corflute in a high traffic area contact me:

w angelaofford.com.au (updating)
m 0429 835 321
e [email protected]

31/05/2026

Did you know that settlers formed the Midland Agricultural Association and held the first Campbell Town show on September 19, 1838.
The show is the longest running agricultural show in the southern hemisphere.

I love the Campbell Town show.
Two days of family friendly competitions and displays of the grounded and rich lifestyle of the midlands, a celebration of all that we love in rural Tasmania and showcasing the superfine wool midlands properties produce and are known around the world for.

There are sheep competitions, sheep dog trials, shearing competitions, equestrian events, a pet parade, daschund racing, dog high jump and trade exhibits.

In the Exhibition Hall you can view the entries in home cooking, preserving, agricultural produce, floral displays as well art, photography and crafts.
There are special guest demonstrations.

Around the showground are a car display, woodchopping arena and animal displays.
There are many food and beverage options.

One of the highlights for me is the Australian Wool Innovation Fashion Parade which is so much fun.
Set to great music models of all ages take to the runway showcasing the latest in everyday wearable woollen fashion.

Congratulations to all on the committee for putting on such a wonderful and successful event.

31/05/2026

07/05/2026

24/04/2026

25th April 2026 Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga which commemorates Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who landed at Gallipoli in WW1 and more broadly honours the contribution and suffering of all Australians, New Zealanders and Tongans who have served and died in wars, conflicts, emergency and disaster relief and peacekeeping operations.

Thinking of conflicts and suffering on this day at a time in history when the total number of individual conflicts around the world is at a record high, civilian casualties are escalating and in remembrance of family members that have served.

My paternal grandfather, Francis James Offord (not pictured), served with 2/3rd Australian Pioneer Battalion deployed to the Middle East and Borneo WW2.

My maternal grandfather, Lesley Rogerson, served with the RAAF deployed to New Guinea and his brother, Ken Rogerson deployed to New Guinea in WW2.

My great uncles, my maternal grandmother’s brothers both served.
Horace “Horrie” John Barker (1919-45), Corporal 26th Infantry Battalion killed in action in PNG and buried at Port Moresby.
Raymond “Ray” Edward Barker, Flight Lieutenant R.A.A.F.

My great grandfather, Sidney (Sid) Rogerson, deployed to France WW1.

Beautiful dawn service at Longford at the Village Green this morning followed by a convivial breakfast at Longford RSL Memorial Club.

Thank you.

Lest We Forget

10/04/2026

Please find my second submission on the ideas to the proposed changes to the federal electorates in Tasmania.

This submission is not about boundary or electorate name changes rather the very short timelines we have had for submissions and will have for public consultation on these very important and complex changes proposed that have the potential to affect 30% of electors in Tasmania.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

This submission is feedback on ideas about the short timeframes of the redistribution process and might be best classified as about “other”.

I understand that timeframes differ due to the nature of the issue being addressed, legal and regulatory requirements, stakeholder engagement, and government policy.
While differing timeframes for public consultation and submissions allow for flexibility and tailored engagement strategies, they also present challenges related to consistency, participation, and the overall quality of public involvement in decision-making processes in addition to having an affect on the quality and sustainability of any decisions made.

The proposed redistribution is complex, involving significant change, and the principle of due process should apply.
A complex issue of this nature requires full consultation, substantial background research and analysis to fully understand the issues and in order to make the best decision possible based on all of the available information at the time.

If we don’t allocate sufficient time to consult and analyse the proposed redistribution of federal Tasmanian electorates we risk:

1. Inadequate Stakeholder Input:

The proposed redistribution demands a longer submission and consultation periods to adequately engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including community groups, individuals, councils and experts.
Stakeholders may feel overwhelmed or unable to respond meaningfully when given short timeframes to respond, resulting in lower participation rates and limited diversity of perspectives.
Short timeframes risk excluding marginalised voices.
Individuals or groups who may need more time to engage for eg underrepresented communities and those with limited access to resources, may find it especially challenging to contribute or respond in short timeframes, further exacerbating inequities.
Longer timelines can help streamline stakeholder engagement ensuring ample time for thorough assessment and consideration of all perspectives.
We want to encourage broader community engagement and participation through extended timeframes giving diverse voices an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the process.

2. Overlooked Concerns:

A condensed timeframe can lead to important issues, concerns, or objections being overlooked.
Stakeholders may not have time to identify and articulate critical points, which may result in decisions that fail to account for significant risks or implications.

3. Potential for Miscommunication:

The complexity of the proposed changes involves intricate technical numerical details and legal requirements.
The short timeframe may lead to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the proposal and insufficient time to examine alternative proposals.

4. Compromised Thoroughness:

This short period may pressure decision makers (the Commission) to expedite their review and analysis of submissions, potentially sacrificing thorough analysis and thoughtful responses to stakeholder concerns.
The thoroughness with which the feedback should be considered could be compromised, leading to hasty decisions that lack adequate scrutiny.

5. Public Trust and Credibility:

When consultation periods are perceived as too rushed or superficial, stakeholders may lose trust in the decision making process. This can lead to skepticism about the government’s commitment to transparency and genuine engagement, harming the credibility of this and future consultations.

6. Reduced Quality of Feedback:

Limited timeframes may result in feedback that is less considered or less well-articulated. Quick responses may lack the depth and rigorousness that is necessary to inform sound decision-making, this in turn can lead to less effective outcomes.
Stakeholders may not have sufficient time to review materials, conduct necessary research, or organise their response.
Potential for oversight- important information or concerns might be overlooked, resulting in decisions that do not fully reflect community needs or interests.

7. Risk of Policy Repercussions:

The decisions made here without adequate consultation may face backlash from the community or stakeholders post implementation.
If the concerns raised in this round of ideas submissions are not addressed there is the potential for significant dissent or pushback against any changes that are enacted.

8. Failure to Build Consensus:

Deliberative effective decision making takes time. The aim is to foster dialogue and understanding among all stakeholders, which can lead to greater consensus on issues.
Shorter periods forgo this process and result in polarised views pertaining and a lack of collaborative agreed solutions.

9. Public Confusion

A disparity in timelines can create confusion among the public regarding when input is needed and may discourage or prevent participation. The variation in timeframes can lead to perceptions of inconsistency or inequity in how public consultations are conducted, potentially undermining public trust in the government’s commitment to genuine engagement.

In summary, while expediency may be necessary in some situations, short consultation periods for complex issues involving big change, as is the case for this proposed federal electorate boundary redistribution, may undermine the integrity of the engagement process and result in poorly informed decisions that do not adequately reflect stakeholder needs and concerns.
Balancing timeliness with thoroughness is critical for achieving meaningful public participation and effective decision making.
I trust the Commission will take the requisite time necessary to thoroughly review all of the ideas submissions and ideas on the ideas submissions thus far in order to make the changes that best serve the people going forward.

08/04/2026

It is not too late to have your say on the proposed redistribution of federal electorates in Tasmania.

The proposed redistribution will affect a significant number of electors.

Feedback on ideas to proposed changes close 6 pm Friday 10th April.

A public consultation session will be held after submissions have closed.
Date(s) to be advised.

Determination of final electorates will be made Thursday 8th October 2026.

My feedback on ideas as follows:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on ideas to the proposed redistribution of federal Tasmanian electorates.

I have read and analysed all of the 95 ideas submissions*

This submission addresses the proposed transfer of Glenorchy City Council (GCC) from the electorate of Clark to the electorate of Lyons, assessing concerns raised by the proposed distribution of areas and their associated communities of interest.
I note that there are many good ideas and suggestions for solutions contained within the submissions.

Key arguments against the inclusion of GCC in Lyons.

1. Community of Interest Misalignment:

Glenorchy has a strong urban identity tied to Greater Hobart, characterised by significant economic, social, transport connections, physical contiguity and shared projects and activities.
Conversely the Lyons electorate primarily represents rural and regional communities of the Derwent Valley, Brighton, Midlands, Meander, Central Highlands, Break O'Day and Kentish making the inclusion of Glenorchy into Lyons, rather than keeping it in Clarke, an aberration.

2. Demographics and the potential for Representational Inequality:

The proposed change would have approximately a third of the electors in Lyons in GCC, transforming Lyons into a more urban-centric electorate focused on northern Hobart and far removed from its historical predominantly rural regional character.
This risks diminishing the representation of rural and regional electors and skewing the policy priorities of elected representatives away from rural and regional communities to an urban community with the potential to adversely affect policy decisions that are meant to equitably serve whole community experience and views.

3. Fragmentation of Communities of Interest:

Splitting urban Hobart and greater Hobart into three electorates and transferring GCC into a predominantly rural and regional electorate risks fragmenting existing cohesive communities of interest and unnecessarily disrupting established service delivery, infrastructure planning and community engagement.

4. Electoral Cohesion:

Many residents of Glenorchy travel south, very short distances, to Hobart CBD for work, education and services. This pattern of movement signifies a cohesive metropolitan zone shared between Glenorchy and Hobart.
In contrast the remaining areas in Lyons interact with the regional hubs of Brighton in the south and Sheffield, Longford and Launceston in the north west and north of the state. The Lyons electorate will lack cohesion.

5. Statistical Support for Opposition:

My analysis of the data * demonstrates that a statistically significant majority (69%), of the submissions addressing the incorporation of GCC into Lyons, are in opposition to the move. Submissions from LGAs naturally should carry more weight than individual submissions as councils are the closest level of government to the people, representing the people in their local government areas and making decisions based on the greater present and future good.
This statistic underscores strong community sentiment against the proposed change, calling for respect for the will of the people in electoral decisions in our democratic system of governance in Australia.

6. Erosion of Local Identity:

The unique identity and characteristics of rural and regional areas of Lyons may be overshadowed by the concentrated urban context of GCC, leading to policies and initiatives that do not equally consider the rural and regional community experience or the realities faced by them.
This in turn may cause significant disenfranchise.

7. Increased Complexity for Our Representatives:

Our elected representatives may struggle to effectively balance urban and rural interests, leading to a representation that does not adequately address either community.

As a resident of the Lyons electorate, I believe that maintaining the rural and regional identity of the electorate of Lyons and ensuring voices are heard and best represented is crucial.
Including urban areas like Glenorchy within the electoral boundaries of Lyons could lead to a disconnect that ultimately undermines the representation and advocacy that our community deserves.

Alternative suggestions summarised for the Committee to consider:

1. The retention of GCC within Clark where community interests align more closely with metropolitan dynamics

2. The retention of Brighton Council within Lyons reinforcing its historical alignment with rural communities, and the continuation of well established regional service delivery, which would preserve better representation for both rural and urban constituents without unnecessary disruptions at the same time retaining the contiguity of Lyons.

3. The inclusion of Derwent Valley Council within the electorate of Clark

Conclusion:

The proposed transfer of GCC into the Lyons electorate lacks coherence with established communities of interest and presents significant risks to equitable effective representation for rural, regional and semi-urban electors alike.
It could lead to a significant disconnect between electors and their representatives, undermine effective governance, and lead to unequal resource allocation and the inability to balance diverse community needs.
Retaining Glenorchy within the electorate of Clark and Brighton in Lyons reflects the natural alignment of urban and regional communities and should safeguard and reinforce the communities of interest fundamental to effective governance and democratic representation in Tasmania.

* 95 ideas submissions
Three doubled up, one withdrawn and two “other” making 89 pertinent ideas submissions
32/89 ideas submissions concerned with electorate boundaries
39/89 ideas submissions concerned with electorate names
18/89 ideas submissions concerned with electorate boundaries and names

24/32 opposed movement GCC into Lyons
4 ideas didn't address the issue making 24/28 or 85% opposed

8/18 opposed movement GCC into Lyons
3 ideas didn't address the issue making 8/15 or 53% opposed movement GCC

On average 69% ideas submissions addressing the movement of GCC into Lyons oppose the move.