Total cost of Diploma Course = $10,170.00
Overview
The LGA50220 Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member is designed to support Elected Members to confidently fulfil their governance, legislative and strategic responsibilities. This nationally recognised qualification builds the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required to make informed decisions that support sustainable communities and effective Local Government outcomes.
Developed specifically for the Western Australian Local Government context, the Diploma supports Elected Members at all stages of their Council journey, including those preparing for future leadership roles such as Mayor, President, Deputy Mayor or Deputy President.
The Diploma has been developed in accordance with the Local Government Training Package (LGA) requirements and has been approved for delivery by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC).
Learning Outcomes
Through completion of the Diploma, Elected Members build capability to:
- Fulfil statutory responsibilities with confidence
- Understand and interpret complex governance, legislative and financial information
- Read, question and analyse financial reports and budgets
- Contribute to high‑level strategic decision‑making
- Oversee asset management, planning and policy frameworks
- Manage conflict and apply emotional intelligence in Council settings
- Build constructive relationships with colleagues, staff and the community
- Develop the capability to interpret and apply State and local planning frameworks and legislation in Western Australia
The qualification supports informed decision‑making that balances financial sustainability, community wellbeing and long‑term liveability.
Course Information
- Be a current Elected Member at a Western Australian Local Government
- Have completed Council Member Essentials Training
Participants also require intermediate Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to successfully participate in training and assessment.
The Diploma is delivered through nine structured workshops, commencing with a Foundation Workshop that builds on Council Member Essentials and prepares participants for Diploma‑level learning.
Workshops are delivered face to face at WALGA in West Leederville. To support accessibility, selected workshops are delivered via Zoom, and on‑site delivery at Local Governments may be available where suitable.
Each workshop is followed by a one‑hour facilitated virtual mentoring session. These sessions reinforce key concepts, provide an opportunity for discussion, and support preparation for assessment activities.
Each participant is provided with an individualised Training and Assessment Plan outlining all workshops, assessment requirements and due dates for each Unit of Competency.
Assessment tasks are individual and workplace‑based, aligned directly to the participant’s role as an Elected Member and their Local Government context.
Assessment methods may include knowledge assessments, project work, scenarios and direct observation. Tasks are based on real council documentation and activities, including policies, strategic plans and financial reports and budgets. Participants should allow approximately 20-30 hours per unit for reading, research and assessment task preparation. Study time will vary depending on individual experience, study styles and habits, and council and other personal commitments.
Participants are encouraged to seek support from their CEO, Mayor or President prior to enrolling to ensure appropriate mentoring and support arrangements are in place, if required.
$10,170.00 GST Free
Payment plans are available. If an individual wishes to pay for their own course fee, WALGA Training must limit individual payment to a maximum of $1,500.00 per payment
On successful completion of all Units of Competency, participants will be awarded the AQF Qualification LGA50220 – Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member.
Participants who exit the course prior to completion will receive a Statement of Attainment for any units where competency has been achieved.
NEW - Foundation Workshop
You asked – WALGA Training delivered.
The Foundation Workshop is a new component to the Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member (LGA50220), introduced this year.
Elected Members will begin the program with a 1-day Foundation Workshop held at WALGA. This boot camp will provide them with a great platform to engage with their peers, meet their trainer and gain real confidence in starting the Diploma. The workshop includes Diploma specific study skills including research, new legislation overview and a Q&A session with the trainer.
Testimonial
Georgie Carey, Former Elected Member, Town of Mosman Park
“The Diploma gave me a strong grounding in the governance and legislative frameworks that underpin everything we do as Elected Members. It helped me make more informed decisions and engage more confidently in complex policy discussions. It was also a great way to connect with Councillors from across the State and learn from their experiences.”
Units of Competency
The Diploma of Local Government – Elected Member is nationally recognised within the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and consists of 10 Units of Competency (UoC), six (6) core and four (4) elective units.
- LGAMEM001 Meet elected member responsibilities
- LGAMEM002 Perform elected member functions
- LGAMEM003 Contribute to high level strategic decision making
- LGACOR011 Analyse financial reports and budgets
- LGACOR010 Oversee asset management strategy
- LGAPLA003 Assess development applications and implement planning scheme
- PSPPCY001 Contribute to policy development
- PSPGEN075 Build and maintain community relationships
- PSPGEN032 Deal with conflict
- BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence
Course Brochure
For full course details, including delivery structure, assessment, and support information, download the course brochure.
Upcoming Course Dates
| Dates | Delivery Method | Duration | Fees | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 11 November 2026 (Registrations close Friday, 30 October 2026) | In person | N/A | $10,170 | Register here |
Testimonial
Town of Bassendean - Cr Tallan Ames
“One of the standout benefits of the program was the focus on financial management and strategic planning, which equipped me with the skills to make informed decisions that balance community needs with fiscal responsibility.
WALGA’s training has been invaluable in building the confidence and competence needed to serve my community effectively. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and impact as an elected member.“
