Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey

The Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey is now open, and we are seeking participation from every council.

This survey is a critical mechanism to present an accurate, sector-wide picture of workforce capacity, emerging skills needs and the challenges affecting your ability to deliver essential services. The results will directly inform national policy settings, guide future investment and strengthen the case for improved training and skills development support for local government. 

The recent national workshop series, which engaged more than 150 councils, has provided valuable qualitative insights. The survey is the next step in building a comprehensive evidence base, offering the quantitative depth required to support long-term workforce planning and the forthcoming review of the Local Government Training Package. Participation is essential for all councils, including those that did not attend a workshop, to ensure the dataset reflects the full breadth of local government experience. 

We seek council input to the survey by 16 January 2026. 

The survey covers six core components and you can draw answers from your employment data. The data collected is de-identified and does not require personal information. For any additional guidance or clarification, councils are encouraged to contact their state or territory local government association. 

A strong response from all jurisdictions will materially strengthen the influence of local government in national workforce policy discussions.