The Victorian Local Government Association has outlined a series of reforms it wants following the appointment of municipal monitors at a raft of Victorian councils, including Moira Shire Council and Strathbogie Shire Council.
In each case the monitors have been appointed to address concerns about governance and councillor conduct and to prevent issues from escalating.
The VLGA noted with concern recent reports of conduct issues in Victorian councils.
“It is disheartening to see essential and impactful work undermined by workplace behaviour that falls short of the standards of dignity, fairness, objectivity, courtesy and respect that community members should expect,” VLGA chief executive Kathryn Arndt said.
“Beyond the legal obligations of councils to maintain safe workplaces, nurturing a culture of civil conduct inside and outside of the council chamber is central to good governance.”
Ms Arndt said there was a difference between the ‘cut and thrust’ of political debate and conduct that threatened the ability of councillors and council officers to do their jobs.
“We hope to see these complex dynamics addressed through the Victorian Local Government Culture Review Project,” she said.
The VLGA said the outcomes from the project should include a raised awareness of the roles, responsibilities and processes of councils for both candidates and the community, and improved mandatory training for candidates who wished to stand for local government.
Processes to support diversity and inclusion, mayoral leadership and chief executives are also proposed.
“It is evident that change is required to ensure that debate and interactions avoid hostility and aggression that compromises the ability of councils to perform at their best — in addition to discouraging people to stand (in local government elections) in the future,” Ms Arndt said.