The State Government has passed legislation to improve council governance and integrity standards.
The reform of the Local Government Act 2020, passed through Parliament and government, said it will elevate governance and integrity standards in Victoria's 79 councils - and will be in place for the new council term following the local government elections this October.
Since the last council elections in 2020, 56 councillors have resigned and 12 councils have had municipal monitors appointed, with one council suspended and one dismissed as a result of governance issues.
Following the local government elections in October this year, 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.
The government said the reforms introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved processes to resolve conduct matters earlier. The Minister for Local Government will also have strengthened powers to deal with councillors that are found to have created a serious risk to health and safety or are preventing their council from performing its functions.
"By improving governance and integrity standards in councils across the state, we are ensuring all Victorians can be confident in their local representatives," Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said.
Minister Horne said good governance was critical to ensure councils make sound decisions and deliver the services their communities need, and the expanded powers to address councillor misconduct will discourage poor behaviour.
She said the reforms have been developed in response to reports and recommendations of IBAC, the Chief Municipal Inspector and other interventions which highlighted the need for stronger processes and powers to resolve conduct issues, and better councillor training.
"These reforms have been developed through extensive consultation with the local government sector, and will help councillors perform their roles effectively."
For further information about the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and to contribute to the code design consultation visit engage.vic.gov.au.
Further information about the reforms is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance.
