The Victorian Councillor Census
The Victorian Councillor Census is your chance to have your say on the issues impacting the local government sector.
Councillors across Victoria have shared their experiences working in the local government sector as part of the 2025 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census.
Now in its second year, the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) Census captures and tracks councillor demographics, attitudes and the key challenges to local governance over time.
The VLGA Victorian Councillor Census was conducted in collaboration with QDOS Research, who were responsible for collecting the data and ensuring the complete anonymity of respondents.
What this year's Census told us
One of the most significant findings of this year’s Census was the level of incivility being experienced across the sector.
Bullying and non-sexual harassment from the public was experienced by 25% of male councillors and more than 50% of women councillors.
The Census also revealed women councillors are twice as likely to receive higher hostility than male councillors.
The findings also highlighted that the rules and regulations imposed by other levels of government, and limited financial resources, were the two key barriers councillors reported as constraining councils power to achieve outcomes.
Key findings in 2025
- Average age of a councillor is 54 years old.
- 74% of councillors are employed and either work full time, part time or run their own business as well as undertaking councillor responsibilities.
- 43% of councillors have children under 18 at home to care for.
- Councillors spent on average 39 hours a week on council-related activities.
- 65% of councillors felt their input into council deliberations was valued.
The Census is part of the VLGA’s continuing commitment to support councillors on their journey to be successful community representatives in their municipalities. The Census will continue to be conducted annually.
How the Census continues to inform our program of work
- The VLGA will continue to conduct the Census annually to capture and track councillor demographics, attitudes and key challenges for local council governance over the council term.
- Establishment of a dedicated support (akin to an EAP) and mediation service for councillors that are widely promoted and available
- Certification of our four-year mandatory Councillor Professional Development Program that directly aligns with Local Government Victoria’s guidelines
- The expansion of the VLGA’s community leadership programs to encourage informed candidates in 2028 that represent the diversity of their community
- Ongoing delivery of the Mary Rogers Awards for Women in Local Government.
Read the full Census report here: