Those running Hume City Council may have to lift their game with legislation to improve council governance and integrity standards on the way.
The reform of the Local Government Act 2020 introduced into Parliament this week will up the anti on governance and integrity standards at Hume council – in the news recently for keeping the minutes of its Audit & Risk committee confidential.
The proposed law, which will apply to all Victoria’s 79 local councils, is likely to be on the statute books by October – when local council elections take place. At which time, Sunbury will see its local representation cut from three councillors to two.
Since the last council elections in 2020, 56 councillors across the State have resigned and 11 councils have had municipal monitors appointed, with one council suspended, and one dismissed as a result of governance issues.
Under the proposed law, 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 Bill will 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 who are putting health and safety at risk or are preventing their council from performing its functions.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne says good governance is 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.
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 training so councillors can perform their roles effectively.
The Labor Government has consulted with councils and local government peak bodies about the proposed reforms, most of which will take effect following the October 2024 local government elections.
Further information about the reforms is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance.
Council cost-shifting enquiry
Elsewhere, the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee is accepting public submissions until 28 June 2024 for its investigation into council cost shifting, service delivery and funding.
‘This is a chance for all Victorians to have their say on local government funding and service delivery,’ Committee Chair Georgie Purcell said.
The inquiry is assessing local governments’ ability to deliver core services and the effects of cost shifting from state and federal governments to local council.
The sustainability of current revenue structures and alternative funding models for local governments are also being considered.
Public hearings will be held and a report to parliament is due by 28 November 2024.
For more inquiry information and the full terms of reference go to the Committee’s website.
