UPDATE: Please note that this article was updated on 17 August 2022 to reflect changes to the elected member counselling program.

Without elected members, WA local governments wouldn't function. 

Unfortunately, in recent times councillors are facing rising levels of pressure in serving their community.

LGIS have a program in place to support elected members

Elected members are valued volunteers who represent diverse communities and oversee multi-million dollar budgets, while experiencing pressure, scrutiny, and dysfunction that could impact the effectiveness of council, impacting their ability to perform their role.

The program is currently available to all local government staff and has delivered significant benefits in managing workplace issues and mitigating potential workers' compensation claims. 

It's also allowed local governments to realise productivity gains by contributing to mentally healthy workplaces.

The Elected Member Support Service is a private and confidential counselling service. 

This member benefit includes:

• Access to a short term counselling service of up to six sessions per year.
• Sessions will be conducted over the phone or via video conference.
• Each session is up to one hour in length.
• The service is accessible during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.