The Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Act 2024 will make a series of amendments to the Local Government Act 2020 (the LG Act 2020) that come into operation following the council elections.
Local Government Victoria (LGV) is seeking feedback on the making of Regulations that will give effect to the reforms in the Act to:
introduce a Model Councillor Code of Conduct for all 79 councils across the State
require councillors to undertake annual professional development training
require mayors and deputy mayors to undertake mayoral training upon being elected to those positions.
STAGE 2 CONSULTATIONS - MODEL COUNCILLOR CODE OF CONDUCT AND COUNCILLOR TRAINING
The new Model Councillor Code of Conduct and requirements to complete annual professional development training and mayoral training will come into operation following the council elections in October.
During the first stage of consultation there were two surveys posted on Engage Vic seeking feedback on what should and shouldn't be included in the Model Code and councillor professional development and mayoral training. Respondents to the survey included councillors, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), council staff, peak bodies, community groups, and community members. In total:
- 146 people completed the Professional Development and Mayoral Training survey; and
- 246 people completed the Model Councillor Code of Conduct survey.
The second stage of consultation is now open. Local Government Victoria is calling on councils and individuals to provide detailed feedback on:
- the draft Model Councillor Code of Conduct
- the draft Internal Resolution Procedure
- the draft training outline for Mandatory Induction Training, Mayoral Training and Professional Development Training.
Feedback is sought on whether any additional matters should be included and whether any content should be removed or revised. Examples of modelconduct for inclusion in the Model Code or training is also sought.
The draft documents can be accessed here: https://engage.vic.gov.au/local-government-reforms-2024.
