Is a Council Member required to resign from Council when they nominate as a candidate for the 2026 state election?

No.

Council Members contesting a State election, and representing a political party, are automatically granted leave of absence from office when nominations close on Friday 27 February until the result is publicly declared.

If a Council Member requests leave of absence before party nominations close on Friday 27 February 2026, they may seek leave of absence from attending Council meetings  – but not from office. They must still fulfil other roles and responsibilities they may have both within council and externally.

Note: A Council Member cannot be removed from office by the Council while on leave contesting a State election, even if they miss three or more ordinary meetings.