Gerald Lynch
New legislation introduced by the state government is seeking to improve the governance and integrity standards of councils across the state.
The reform of the Local Government Act 2020 will elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils, set to be in place for the new council term following the local government elections this October.
The government said that following extensive consultation with the sector, councils will have an uniform councillor code of conduct to create consistent standards of behaviour and increase accountability. A program of mandatory training will also be introduced for councillors and mayors, including annual professional development.
The bill will introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved processes to resolve conduct matters earlier, according to the government.
Since the last council elections in 2020, 56 councillors have resigned and 11 councils have had municipal monitors appointed, with one council suspended and one dismissed as a result of governance issues.
Whittlesea council was sacked in April of 2020 after monitors found the council to have a “toxic” and “dysfunctional culture”.
The government appointed administrators to perform the role of councillors for this term of council, with councillors to be re-instated at the October local government elections.
A spokesperson for Whittlesea council said, “We understand the bill has been introduced to parliament and we will await the outcome. We welcome any legislation that delivers improved outcomes for our community”.
A spokesperson for Hume council said council welcomes changes to improve and promote good governance.
“Our primary objective is to lead our community with sound governance, with the best outcomes for our residents at the centre of all our decision making,” the spokesperson said.
“Hume City Council welcomes any changes to local government reforms which improve council governance and integrity standards for the sector.
“Whilst not all our submission asks were met, we appreciate this is a complex issue in trying to manage councillor behaviour within 79 Councils across Victoria.”
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said the changes are being made to ensure residents the best council service possible.
“Victorians deserve councils that represent them and meet their needs – our reforms will enhance governance and accountability across all our councils,” she said.
“Our reforms will create a uniform code of conduct across all councillors and introduce mandatory training, supporting councils to best represent the communities they serve.”
