A new census has revealed rising incivility, workload pressures and resource constraints facing Victorian councillors.
Councillors across Victoria have shared their experiences in the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census, conducted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).
Now in its second year, the census tracks councillor demographics, attitudes and key challenges across the sector, with 329 responses received – representing more than half of all elected councillors in Victoria.
The VLGA commissioned QDOS Research to independently manage and collect the data, ensuring consistency and anonymity.
Victorian Local Governance Association Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn Arndt, said the strong response highlighted the value councillors place on contributing to sector-wide insights.
“More than half of the councillors elected in Victoria participated in the 2025 census, with a total of 329 responses received,” Arndt said.
“This strong engagement rate reflects the value councillors place on having their voices heard and the role it plays in shaping the sector moving forward.”
The 2025 census expanded its scope to better capture pressures facing councillors, including incivility, personal demands and resource constraints.
“By capturing the different dimensions of the councillor experience, the Census allows us to deepen our understanding of the role and provides a stronger evidence base to inform advocacy, policy and program development,” Arndt said.
The data also explored differences between first-term and returning councillors, with 57 per cent of those elected in the 2024 Victorian local government elections serving for the first time.
Incivility emerged as a key issue, with bullying and non-sexual harassment from the public reported by 25 per cent of male councillors and more than 50 per cent of female councillors. Women were also found to be twice as likely to experience higher levels of hostility.
Councillors identified regulatory requirements imposed by other levels of government and limited financial resources as the primary barriers to achieving outcomes.
“The census findings provide tangible insights, oversight and direction to inform our program of work and ensure the events and programs we deliver reflect the lived experience of councillors,” Arndt said.
“The success of last year’s census has reinforced the important role it plays in influencing and leading important conversations across the local government sector.”
Other key findings include an average councillor age of 54, with 74 per cent of councillors working full-time, part-time or running a business alongside their council duties. Councillors reported spending an average of 39 hours per week on council-related responsibilities in the first year of the current term.
The VLGA will use the findings to inform future programs, including leadership initiatives, professional development and support services for councillors.
