General News
9 September, 2024
Candidates can now nominate for the local government 2024 elections
Victorians keen to join council can now nominate
As the 2024 Local Government October elections approach, there has perhaps never been a more anticipated election.
Changes to boundaries, the introduction of wards and greater powers for the sanction of councillor behaviour, mandatory training and a push by the Victorian government to see an increase in female councillors to 50 percent are just some of the changes facing 2024 candidates.
The Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne reminded potential candidates today, that "Victorians looking to make a difference in their local community could now nominate for the upcoming local council elections from 9am Monday, September 9 until 12pm Tuesday, September 17."
Postal ballots will be sent to all Victorians on the electoral roll in early October and must be returned by close of voting on Friday, October 25.
"Elections will be held in Victoria for all councils except Moira Shire Council, which was dismissed in March 2023 and will return to elected representation in 2028," she said.
"Councils should reflect the communities they represent - I encourage local leaders to consider nominating in the upcoming local government elections.
"Our reforms will create a uniform code of conduct across all councillors and introduce mandatory training, supporting good governance at councils and ensuring they focus on the needs of the communities they represent," she said.
"All candidates are required to undertake the online Local Government Victoria candidate training to be eligible to nominate for council, as required by the Local Government Act 2020.
"The free training has been reviewed and updated this year to strengthen candidates' knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors.
"New additions include understanding conflicts of interest, and available support for councillors to perform their role," she said.
While some excitement is evident by those who have nominated or who may in coming days there is still a hesitation across some shires with potential candidates waiting for others to make the first move, similar to a game of chess.
"The Allan Labor Government passed reforms to the Local Government Act 2020 to improve culture, governance and integrity standards in Victoria's councils ahead of this year's elections," the minister said.
This comes after, but not because of, claims of poor behaviour towards some councillors by others in the Northern Grampians Shire Council and the request for a Municipal Monitor by which was denied by the minister.
Neighbouring council, the Horsham Rural City Council has seen the breaking of ranks with in the elected member body, creating a division between councillors and the appointment of a Municipal Monitor.
These are not the only councils to have issues, with reports to the Inspectorate in the hundreds so far this year, reporting poor behaviour, lack of governance and other matters.
The minister said today, "Councils will have a uniform councillor code of conduct to create consistent standards of behaviour and increase accountability under the changes to the Act.
"A program of mandatory training will also be introduced for councillors and mayors, including annual professional development.
"The reforms introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved processes to resolve conduct matters earlier, including strengthened powers for the Minister to address councillor conduct."
After a review of Victoria's 39 councils by the minister earlier this year Horsham Rural City Council will move to seven single councillor wards, Yarriambiack Shire Council will remain subdivided but with one less councillor, Northern Grampians Shire Council will will adopt a multi-councillor ward structure with a total of six councillors.
Further information about the local council elections, including eligibility requirements, is available on the VEC website.
Local Government Victoria's mandatory candidate training is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training.