THE Victorian Government has announced a groundbreaking set of reforms aimed at addressing councillor misconduct and bolstering accountability within the state’s 79 local councils.
Led by local government minister, Melissa Horne, the measures respond to perceived concerns over deteriorating public confidence in local government due to poor councillor behaviour.
Southern Grampians Shire Council chief executive, Tony Doyle, said the reforms were a positive step.
“We welcome any reforms that seek to improve governance of council,” he said.
“We are yet to see the detail of the proposed changes but look forward to being involved in the consultation process with the State Government.”
The reforms, set to be implemented in the first quarter of 2024, will include mandatory training for elected representatives, the establishment of a uniform councillor code of conduct, and expanded powers for the minister to address misconduct.
The minister will gain the authority to suspend or disqualify councillors posing risks to health and safety or hindering council functionality.
The Chief Municipal Inspector’s powers will also expand, including the ability to issue infringement notices, enhancing oversight.
A model code of conduct for councillors, featuring stricter sanctions, aims to standardise behaviour expectations and reduce the regulatory burden on councils.
The reforms are a direct response to urgent needs highlighted by the Local Government Culture Project, which received over 140 submissions.
The government has planned extensive sector engagement in the coming months, seeking input on the legislation and collaborating throughout the year to develop regulations for the code of conduct and training.
Simultaneously, the government will introduce legislation targeting councillor accountability and performance before the upcoming council elections.
Almost 30 councillors have resigned since January, notably Moira Shire Council being sacked and replaced by administrators, and multiple recent Glenelg Shire resignations.
The reforms will address concerns raised by municipal monitors in several areas, including Glenelg, Horsham, Darebin, Wodonga, Geelong, Yarra, and Strathbogie.
The legislation aligns with recommendations from integrity bodies such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Chief Municipal Inspector.
Ms Horne stressed the reforms are essential to meet Victorians’ high expectations for their local councillors.
“Victorians rightly have high expectations of their local councillors and these changes will ensure residents can have confidence their best interests are being served,” she said.
“Having a model code of conduct and mandatory training makes sense and extend reforms we introduced before the last council elections.”
The changes aim to create a transparent and accountable local governance system, encouraging quality candidates for the October 2024 elections.
Glenelg Shire mayor, Karen Stephens, said her council noted the State Government’s reasoning behind the need for reform.
“Council welcomes the reforms introduced by the State Government and looks forward to taking part in the consultation process,” she said.
