Legislation

Legislative Power of Local Government in Australia

Australian states and the Northern Territory each have many local governments within their borders.

The state or territory government defines the powers of the local governments, and decides what geographical areas those governments are responsible for.

Local governments generally act within powers delegated to them by legislation or directives of the higher level of government.

Queensland Legislative Instruments

Following is a link to all current reprints of Queensland Government Acts and their subordinate legislation.  While Local Government does have its own Act and Regulations, these cannot be applied in isolation, but must be applied in parallel with the direction stipulated in all other associated legislation.  For example, when Council is making planning and development decisions, decisions need to be in accordance with all relevant planning and development legislation.