Wards Referendum
The City of Sydney is holding a Wards Referendum in conjunction with the City of Sydney elections on 13 September 2008. This referendum takes the form of a question.
All voters in the election will be asked:
Do you agree to the City of Sydney being divided into three wards, with each ward electing three Councillors?
Questions and Answers
Why are we having this referendum?
The proclamation which amalgamated the former City of Sydney and South Sydney City Councils stated that wards would be introduced from the 2008 Council elections.
Council subsequently received legal advice and advice from the Department of Local Government that wards could only be introduced if this was approved via a constitutional referendum.
On 25 June 2007, Council formally resolved to hold a referendum on wards in conjunction with the 2008 Council election. Council has not formally resolved to support or oppose the introduction of wards.
What is a ward?
Local government areas are either whole areas (undivided) or divided into wards (divided).
If a Council has wards, there is a legislative requirement that each ward has approximately an equal number of electors. Each ward must also have a specific roll. On the day of the election, voters must vote at a polling place in the particular ward in which they are enrolled or at the principal polling place for the local government area (usually Sydney Town Hall).
Who can represent a ward?
A candidate for election in a particular ward need not be on the roll for that ward but must be enrolled as an elector in the local government area. A Councillor elected in a ward has the same statutory obligations and responsibilities as a Councillor elected in an undivided local government area.
What is the current system for the City of Sydney?
The City of Sydney is represented by a popularly elected Lord Mayor and nine Councillors elected by voters to represent the entire local government area (undivided). All Councillors and the Lord Mayor are elected for four year terms. The Deputy Lord Mayor is elected each year by the Councillors.
Will wards change the number of Councillors elected to Council?
No. In the referendum being considered, the total number of councillors will not be altered. The proposal is that the City be divided into three areas with three councillors in each ward. This makes nine Councillors plus the popularly elected Lord Mayor, which brings the total to ten elected representatives.
Would the direct election of the Lord Mayor continue under a ward based structure?
Yes. Section 23 of the City of Sydney Act 1988 prescribes the direct election of the Lord Mayor. There would be no change to this under a ward based structure.
Where would the wards be?
The proposal is that the current City of Sydney local government area would be divided into three areas. However, the specific ward areas and boundaries are not determined until after a successful referendum.
Legislation requires that each ward of the council has approximately equal enrolment of electors. The development of ward boundaries is undertaken by the Council in consultation with the Electoral Commissioner and the Australian Statistician. Following this consultation, a proposed ward boundary plan is placed on public exhibition by the Council and public submissions are requested.
When would wards take effect?
If this referendum proposal succeeds in 2008, wards would take effect at the September 2012 election. This is the requirement of the legislation.
Do I have to vote on the wards referendum?
Yes. It is compulsory for anyone on the City of Sydney electoral role to vote in the Local Government election and in the referendum. You will be given an additional ballot paper on the referendum on E lection Day or at pre-poll voting facilities or with postal vote ballots.
Where can I find more information?
For general information about voting in local government elections see the NSW Election website
Last Updated: Monday 4 August, 2008