The 1977 New South Wales local elections were held on 17 September 1977 to elect the councils of the local government areas (LGAs) of New South Wales, Australia.[1][2]
Like at state elections, New South Wales local elections use optional preferential voting.[3] The majority of mayors are elected by councillors at council meetings, although some are directly-elected.[4]
For the first time since the 1968 local elections, voting was compulsory for anyone on the New South Wales state electoral roll.[5] The Wran state government announced the change in July 1976, with a fine of up to $10 applying for non-voters.[6][7]
The Labor Party and the Communist Party of Australia continued to endorse candidates in several LGAs.[8]
There were swings towards Labor in at least 12 councils, with the party gaining a majority in at least three.[9] In Newcastle, the Communists had 3.5% of the vote, with the overall voter turnout increasing by 46%.[9]
Voter turnout increased significantly across the state, including a 51% increase in Holroyd.[10][11]