Local Government Electoral Review reports

The VLGA is seeking a commitment from both major political parties that action will be taken on the recommendations put forth in the Local Government Electoral Review reports – released today (8/9/14). Ahead of the State Election, all major parties must promise to listen to the sector and make real and actual change. The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is seeking a commitment from both major political parties that action will be taken on the recommendations put forth in the Local Government Electoral Review reports .

President of the peak body, President Cr Sebastian Klein, said the VLGA was pleased the reports were now released after a lengthy and unexplained delay by the Victorian Government.

“With the State Election in November, these recommendations are at risk of being relegated to the bottom of the current Victorian Government’s ‘to-do’ list.

“These important recommendations have the potential to greatly affect how our councils are chosen and formed.

“They need to remain a priority; and the sector and communities it serves, cannot afford to have the recommendations lost and forgotten amid election campaigning,” said Cr Klein.

Cr Klein said the VLGA was pleased that the majority of recommendations strongly reflected the views of the VLGA and the sector.

“Overall, if these recommendations were actioned they would help to strengthen local democracy in Victoria.

“They would help people to gain a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of councillors as community-elected representatives.

“And they would also help councils to better govern in collaboration with their communities.

“We want an iron-clad guarantee that post-election the incoming State Government will ensure that any accepted recommendations are acted on efficiently, so changes are in place in time for the 2016 local government elections,” said Cr Klein.

The VLGA will be consulting across the State with its member councils ahead of providing formal comment on the reports and recommendations to the Minister.

The Age has also reported that,

"The Age also understands the 200-page report will recommend:
- forcing candidates to reveal details of their professional experience and volunteer work.
- requiring prospective councillors to attend information sessions to prepare them for council duties.
- banning those who have been disqualified from running a company from participating in council elections.">

Mary Drost, spokesperson for Planning Backlash, has commented that last week she sent a letter to 12 senior members of parliament - government and opposition - asking them if they would ban donations from developers, if re-elected. "The silence is deafening," she added, having received no replies.