The Premier is assisted by a group of Ministers who make up the Cabinet. Ministers, who usually belong to the same party or coalition as the Premier, run a number of government departments, called a portfolio. Together with the Premier, the Ministers make up the State's Executive Government. Local Government Tasmania has 14 local or Municipal Councils. Each has 9 to 12 members and is headed by a Mayor.
Councillors serve a four-year term.
Half the members of each council are elected every two years. Tasmania's councils have the power to make laws called by-laws. Voting in municipal elections is not compulsory, but all people listed on the House of Assembly electoral roll can vote. Councillors are elected by proportional representation. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of each council are elected by the optional preferential method, while the rest of the councillors are elected by the Hare-Clark system.