Financial struggles might explain the low level of candidacy at the upcoming election just weeks away, with only five incumbent councillors facing opposition.
Dr Pandanus Petter, Griffith University’s expert on local elections, said the high cost-of-living would deter people from participating.
“Running for office at any time takes a commitment of time, money and enthusiasm, and maybe a feeling that you have a chance to win,” Dr Petter said.
“So, when cost-of-living is high, that makes it harder.
“And if it’s an area with fewer upper-middle class people who have the time, jobs and money to take time off and run, that can disincentivise people.”
He said this deterrence was typically averted by political parties funding campaigns.
But in Logan, this doesn’t happen at a local government level.
“In the latest round of local council elections, there are a few places around where divisions aren’t being contested,” Dr Petter said.
“There’s a couple on the Gold Coast, the mayor of Moreton Shire Council is not being contested – there’s a few around.”
A total of 12 divisions across south-east Queensland will go uncontested this election.
Only half the incumbent councillors in Logan returning to their seats will go contested.
But some local councillors believe there is more to it than just cost-of-living including a poor public perception of councillors and long hours.
Dr Petter said money played a big role in mayoral contests, “but it’s not everything”.
“In that kind of race, experience tells you that people with the highest profile stand the best chance,” he said.
“This is for a few reasons; mainly because people know who they are so they can have a judgement – hopefully a positive one – which is really important.”
The other reason was that local governments have optional preferential voting, meaning voters could select one, some or all candidates on the ballot paper.
“That tends to favour the people who can attract the most first preference votes, which is usually someone people know or someone from a major party,” Dr Petter said.
In cases like Logan, where parties don’t offer official endorsement or financial support, candidates have to work twice as hard.
“If you want to run you’ve got to have some money to help do things like billboards and Facebook advertising,” Mr Petter said.
“Or you need a really strong grassroots campaign built up with a lot of volunteers to help you get the message out there.
“But the first battle is to have people know who you are.”
