Explore the Role of Australian Local Governments

Local governments in Australia (also known as LGAs – local government areas) sit underneath the state and federal governments. They vary in size, depending on the population. Local governments are usually run by a council that is led by a head councillor (the mayor).

This set of 24 ‘True or False?’ scenario cards has been designed to consolidate your students’ understanding of the role that local governments play in our communities. Students are required to read the scenario on the card, then decide whether the statement is true or false. For example:

• Local governments build new bike and footpaths to encourage people to
  be active. (True)
• Local governments check new houses once they are finished to ensure they are up to standard. (True)
• Local governments don’t bother making people pay for their parking fines. (False)

Multiple Applications for These Australian Government Task Cards

Use these task cards as a whole-class, small-group or individual learning task.

Whole-Class Discussion

1. Read out and display each task card.
2. Students signal whether they think the statement is true or false. This could be done by moving to a certain side of the classroom, or via a hand gesture (e.g. thumbs-up or thumbs-down).
3. Discuss the students’ responses as a group.

Group Drama Activity

1. Divide the class into groups 
2. Provide each group with a task card. 
3. Have the students develop, rehearse and present a group role-play that summarises the scenario. After the performance, have the class decide whether the scenario is true or false.

Individual Activity

1. Place task cards around the classroom and provide students with an answer sheet.
2. Students move to each card and use the answer sheet to record their responses.
3. Discuss the students’ responses as a group.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Renee Murrant, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Click below for more time-saving Australian Government resources!

teaching resource

Responsibilities of Australian Local Governments - Cloze Worksheet

Explore the roles and responsibilities of local governments around Australia with this differentiated cloze passage worksheet.

teaching resource

Responsibilities of Australia's Three Levels of Government - Sorting Activity

Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australia's three levels of government with this hands-on sorting activity.

teaching resource

Responsibilities Of Australian Local Governments - Posters

Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australian local governments with this set of classroom posters.