Darebin City Council, Moira Shire Council and Wodonga City Council will each be appointed with a municipal monitor to support good governance and guide them to best serve their communities.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane announced the monitors will soon be appointed to address concerns about governance and councillor conduct.
Each monitor will work with each council to prevent these issues from escalating and support councillors to perform their duties successfully.
The monitors for Darebin City Council and Wodonga City Council will also guide each council to appoint a CEO.
The municipal monitors will be appointed in coming weeks and will provide regular reports to the Minister on each council’s progress and recommend any further actions.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting and improving council culture throughout the state, last year conducting a wide-ranging study into what influences council culture as part of the Local Government Culture Project.
The project will provide a platform for the sector to identify and take ownership of a positive and inclusive culture that will improve governance and build public trust. The Local Government Culture Project includes broader engagement with local government, with key themes and advice to be provided to the Minister for consideration.
For more information visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/local-government-culture-project.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“We’re serious about improving culture in local councils. We want to encourage positive practices and stop negative behaviour.”
“Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make improvements in governance that help them better serve their communities.”
“We expect councillors to maintain high standards and practice good governance – which is what people rightfully expect from their elected representatives.”
