Last week the State Government introduced new legislation to improve council governance and integrity standards to ensure the community has confidence in their local council.
Following extensive consultation with the sector, councils will have a 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.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said that the community deserves councils that represent them and meet their needs.
“Our reforms will enhance governance and accountability across all councils and will create a uniform code of conduct across all councillors and introduce mandatory training, supporting councils to best represent the communities they serve,” Ms Horne said.
Mitchell Shire chief executive Brett Luxford said that Mitchell Shire Council anticipates the new legislation introduced by the State Government will enhance governance and integrity standards across local governments in Victoria.
He added that Council recognised the importance of the changes as they align with Council’s attempt at ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and service excellence in local governance.
“We are committed to implementing these new requirements smoothly and effectively, ensuring that our community continues to have trust in how we serve them. It is Council’s hope that these measures will lead to a stronger, more accountable local government sector across Victoria,” Mr Luxford said.
Since the last council elections in 2020, 56 councillors have resigned across Victoria and 11 councils have had municipal monitors appointed, with one council suspended and one dismissed as a result of governance issues.
The reform of the Local Government Act 2020 introduced into Parliament today will elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria’s 79 councils, to be in place for the new council term following the local government elections this October.
