Statistics Prove Bob Dylan Was Right

Understanding your local council – Part 1: Roles and Responsibilities

“Don’t criticise what you can’t understand.” – Bob Dylan

There’s a growing body of research proving Dylan had a point. Across Australia, local government is one of the least understood levels of government, yet one of the most frequently criticised.

That’s part of the reason I’m writing this. Not to silence the critics, criticism is healthy, but to extend their understanding. Because the more people know about what councils actually do, the more they tend to appreciate it. And the more informed the criticism, the better the civic conversation.

What does a local council really do?

Ask most people what councils do and you’ll hear the usual: roads, rates and rubbish. And they’re not wrong – local government is responsible for a huge range of local services, from waste collection to footpaths to community halls. But that’s just the surface.

In truth, councils also run libraries, swimming pools, sporting grounds, local festivals, building inspections, bushland conservation, independent living units for aged care, town planning, economic development, public toilets, animal control, and more. They issue development consents, prepare flood and fire risk strategies, manage cemeteries and cycleways, advocate on behalf of the community to state and federal government, and in many cases lead the charge on climate adaptation, housing affordability, and indigenous reconciliation.

Yet despite this, many Australians still don’t quite know where council responsibilities begin and end. One major survey found that only 1 in 10 people felt they clearly understood how their council allocated funding. Another found a third of people didn’t know who their local councillors are.

But isn’t that the state government's job?

Sometimes, yes. And that’s part of the confusion. Local government is created under state law, not the constitution, which means responsibilities often overlap. Roads, for example, may be local or state-managed. So may parks, libraries, and even community services. When something goes wrong, the nearest signpost tends to cop the blame: and more often than not, that’s your council.

There’s also a perception that councils should “stick to their lane.” But which lane is that? In recent years, surveys show most Australians actually want councils to take a broader role – speaking up on climate, cost of living, social inclusion, mental health, and more. That expectation puts councils in a tricky position: criticised if they say nothing, criticised if they say too much.

So what can we do?

We can start by reading the room — and the rates notice. Ask questions. Go beyond the headlines. Most councils (ours included) publish clear budgets, strategic plans, meeting agendas and community consultation results online. Councillors are contactable. Staff are usually very willing to explain how and why things happen the way they do.

Ultimately, understanding builds trust. And with trust comes better outcomes – not just for the council, but for the community it serves.

So next time you hear someone say “what does the council even do?”, feel free to channel a bit of Bob Dylan. Just don’t stop there. Help them understand.

Key Research Sources

1. "The Three Rs and Beyond: Public Perceptions on the Role of Australian Local Government Today"

   
   

   This 2024 national survey by ACU and ANU researchers found that while traditional services like roads, rates, and rubbish remain important, Australians increasingly expect councils to address broader issues such as climate change and social justice. Notably, 66% believe local councils should have more power to deliver critical community services.

2. "Why Local Government Matters" – Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG)

   
   

   A comprehensive 2015 study surveying 2,000 Australians, revealing that while councils are valued for their local knowledge, many residents lack a clear understanding of council responsibilities and funding mechanisms.

3. "Power to the People: Aussies Expect More from Their Local Leaders" – ANU Media Release

   
   

   This 2024 release highlights that 86% of Australians believe local governments should actively shape local identity and culture, indicating a shift in public expectations beyond traditional service delivery.

4. "Survey Results Support Councils Tackling Bigger Issues" – Inside Local Government

   
   

   A 2023 article discussing survey findings where over 75% of respondents agreed that local governments should engage with significant issues like climate change, reflecting evolving public perceptions.

5. "Community Perceptions of Local Government" – LGNSW

   
   

   A 2017 research summary indicating that while trust in councils had improved, many residents remained unaware of how to engage with council processes, including elections and public consultations.

6. Bob Dylan

The Times They Are A-Changin' lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group