Whittlesea councillors and council staff contesting elections will be prohibited from promoting their campaigns and policies during council meeting under proposed changes to the city’s election period policy.
Councillors adopted the draft election period policy during an unscheduled council meeting on Tuesday, February 25.
Council said the proposed changes aim to uphold integrity among councillors and council officers in the lead-up to and during the election period.
Key amendments include councillors being unable promote their election campaign or individual policies during council meetings; restrictions on council officers approaching councillors to seek an advantage or benefit in exchange for a formal council decision; a ban on the placement of election materials on or in any council-owned facilities or land; and council officers being prohibited from using their position or resources to gain media attention in support of an election campaign.
The draft policy is available for public feedback until March 12.
Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
