The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has announced plans for census of the entire Australian local government workforce later this month.
ACELG is trialling the census across eight councils this week: Rockdale Council and Pelarang Shire Council in NSW, Sunshine Coast and Townsville in Queensland, Barossa Shire Council in SA, Golden Plains Shire Council in Victoria, and Capel Shire Council and Stirling Council in WA.
The full census of all 565 Australian local governments is set to commence from 30 November and run from 21 December.
The organisation said the Australian Local Government Workforce and Employment Census (ALGWECensus) would used to improve workforce planning and help address skill shortages.
“The census will be the most ambitious local government data collection exercise undertaken so far in Australia,” ACELG said.
“The opportunities offered by the collection of a national local government workforce dataset are significant and it will underpin a range of employment strategies nationally, as well forming the basis for funding for local government-based training.
“The census will also develop and maintain a nationally consistent dataset on women’s participation in the local government sector, including both elected representatives and senior management positions.”
IPWEA CEO Chris Champion commented: “It is critical that local government has a good grasp of the problem of skills shortage and some solid facts about its workforce. The IPWEA supports the work of ACELG in trying to address this vacuum by developing national workforce datasets.”
The data collected will include, among other things, staff headcounts by gender and by highest post-school qualifications, management level by area of council business, workforce planning status and diversity targets.
Those interested in the ALGWECensus can visit this website:
www.algwecensus.org