By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
CARDINIA Shire Councillors would be forced to comply with stricter rules and regulations under a State Government plan.
Councillors across the state would also be stripped of discretionary funds, or Ward funds, should the plan get the approval of Parliament.
The Local Government (Improved Governance) Bill 2015 is set to be introduced to the House next month and will outline expectations of councillors as well as consequences for those who engage in misconduct.
The changes will update and strengthen the current councillor conduct framework, introduced in the Local Government Act of 2008. They will apply to councillors in all 79 Victorian municipalities.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins said the Bill will mean clear improvements to the conduct system in time for the 2016 council general elections.
“The proposed Bill will give councils and the government a broader range of powers to deal with councillors in breach of their codes of conduct,” she said.
“Misconduct among Victoria’s 624 councillors is thankfully rare. But when it does happen, it is an unwelcome and unnecessary distraction that could be more easily dealt with by responsive and robust conduct laws.”
The Bill will authorise the minister to direct councils to improve governance, as well as stand down councillors for up to six months while a panel investigates misconduct.
Ms Hutchins added that the plan was in response to a demand for greater accountability.
“I have consulted widely about the need to improve the current councillor conduct rules, and I’ve heard loud and clear that we need a system that can respond quickly and appropriately.”
