Victorian Local Government reforms

Published on 21 November 2023

Glenelg Shire Council welcomes proposed reforms by the Victorian Government to help improve the performance and accountability of councillors.

The State Government recently announced it would introduce legislation early next year to elevate governance and integrity standards in councils, in a bid to encourage quality candidates to stand at the next local government elections in October 2024.

The Local Government Culture Project has been a key driver in the reform process, drawing more than 140 submissions from residents, mayors, councillors, council staff and peak bodies.

Reforms would introduce mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct and strengthened powers for the Local Government Minister to address councillor conduct.

The Local Government Act 2020 mandates induction training for new councillors and the changes would take this focus on education and training further with a requirement for ongoing training for councillors.

The Government said it would consult with the Local Government sector in coming months about the legislation and throughout next year on developing regulations for the councillor model code of conduct and mandatory training, ahead of a planned introduction of legislation in the first quarter of 2024.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said Council noted the State Government’s reasoning behind the need for reform.

“Council welcomes the reforms introduced by the State Government and looks forward to taking part in the consultation process,” she said.