General News
24 August, 2024
Help shape rules for councillors
Horsham councillors will undergo more rigorous training and abide by a revised code of conduct following the elections in October - and residents are invited to help shape the new rules.
Community members, councillors and council staff are being canvassed in the latest round of consultations by Local Government Victoria designed to smarten up how regional councils operate.
Surveys posted on the Engage Vic website have already sought feedback on what should and shouldn’t be included in councillor’s professional development and mayoral training.
The second stage of consultation is now open, offering anyone the opportunity to comment on draft versions of the Councillor Code of Conduct, internal resolution procedures and outlines for mandatory induction training, mayoral training and professional development training.
Feedback is also being sought on whether any additional matters should be included and whether any content should be removed or revised.
Examples of model conduct for inclusion in the Model Code or training are also welcome.
The draft documents can be accessed at https://engage.vic.gov.au/local-government-reforms-2024
Submissions can be lodged via Engage Vic or sent to Local Government Victoria via email at lgv@ecodev.vic.gov.au. Please put in the subject line “Submission - Local Government Reforms 2024 – Stage 2”.
Final documents will form part of the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Act 2024 that will come into operation following the council elections.
Submissions will close on September 4.
All councils have been “encouraged” by Local Government Victoria to share the link to the Engage Vic page on their website so that community members can participate in the consultations.
Meanwhile, Local Government Victoria has confirmed that the appointment of Steven Kingshott as a municipal monitor, following governance concerns raised about Horsham Rural City Council, will not influence the outcome of an investigation by the Chief Municipal Inspector following HRCC's delayed budget.
"The late adoption of a budget is a breach of the Local Government Act 2020," a spokesperson told The Horsham Times.
"Breaches of the Act may be investigated by the Chief Municipal Inspector and this matter has been referred to them.
"The Minister for Local Government cannot direct the Chief Municipal Inspector or interfere in this process."