Reforms to boost confidence in local government

The state government will introduce legislation to improve the performance and accountability of councillors across the state, to increase confidence in local government representatives.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced legislation to be introduced early next year will elevate governance and integrity standards in the state’s 79 councils, encouraging quality candidates to put themselves forward at local government elections to be held statewide in October 2024.

“Victorians rightly have high expectations of their local councillors and these changes will ensure residents can have confidence their best interests are being served,” Minister Horne said.

“Having a model code of conduct and mandatory training makes sense and extends reforms we introduced before the last council elections. They will help encourage quality candidates to come forward for the 2024 polls.”

Local government leaders and members of the community have called for action after confidence in local government in some areas has suffered due to poor councillor behaviour and ineffective performance.

Almost 30 councillors have resigned since January, while municipal monitors have been appointed as an urgent intervention to protect local communities eight times in 18 months – at Glenelg, Strathbogie (twice), Horsham, Darebin, Wodonga, Geelong and Yarra. 

Moira Shire Council was dismissed and replaced with administrators.

The Local Government Culture Project has been a key driver in the reform process, drawing more than 140 submissions from residents, mayors, councillors, council staff and peak bodies.

Reforms will introduce mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the Minister to address councillor conduct.

The Local Government Act 2020 mandates induction training for new councillors and the changes will take this focus on education and training further with a requirement for ongoing training for councillors.

“Good governance is critical to ensure councils make sound decisions and deliver the services their communities need. Expanded powers to address councillor misconduct will discourage poor behaviour,” Ms Horne said.

Reforms will give the Minister the ability to suspend or disqualify individual councillors found to have created a risk to health and safety or prevented the council from performing its function. The Chief Municipal Inspector will also have enhanced powers, including the ability to issue infringement notices.

A model code of conduct for councillors with tougher sanctions for misconduct will provide a uniform set of standards and reduce the regulatory burden on councils which will no longer need to establish their own codes.

The Government will consult with the sector in coming months about the legislation and throughout next year on developing regulations for the councillor model code of conduct and mandatory training. 

Legislation is planned to be introduced in the first quarter of 2024.

The amendments to the Local Government Act 2020 will address recommendations made by integrity bodies such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Chief Municipal Inspector. 

Rural Councils Victoria welcomed the announcement of the new legislation.

“The vast majority of local councillors are decent, hard-working representatives for their communities but a few bad apples who behave in a bullying or outrageous manner are undermining public and the state government’s confidence in the whole sector,” Rural Councils Victoria Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown said.

“Rural Councils Victoria has held meetings with the Minister to discuss issues such as good governance, training for new councillors and a strong statewide code of conduct for councillors that holds those who bully or otherwise abuse their positions to account.

“Sacking a whole council to manage the bad behaviours of one individual goes too far, which is why RCV welcomes ministerial powers to address individual councillor misconduct and discourage poor behaviour.”