Local Government Victoria has launched engage.vic.gov.au, a webpage devoted to the implementation of the Local Government Act 2020. This is a vital resource that will be used to provide resources and support to the sector through:
- guidance notes and guidelines
- supporting material,
- online forums and workshops,
- templates; and
- publications.
Approach to sector-led implementation of the new Act
According to Local Government Victoria, implementation will be in the form of inform, consult or co-design as follows:
Inform - Legislation has a fixed position; clarity is required by the sector; provision of an explanation for the purpose of clarity or additional information is required
Consult - There is already commonality within the sector; provision of clarification of what has changed may be needed, feedback may be required; the material already exists within the sector but may need improvement
Co-Design - This is a new opportunity for the sector, and we will work on the solution together
Implementation has also been segmented into four stages, reflecting the four proclamation dates (6 April 2020, 1 May 2020, 24 October 2020 and 1 July 2021). At this stage the focus is on Stage 1 only.
So in the coming weeks, the following can be expected:
Inform: Electoral Provisions - the following will be available by the end of April 2020
- Electoral Regulations
- City of Melbourne (Electoral) Regulations
- Development of Candidate Training content and approach
Explanation of Principles - these will be available shortly
- Community Engagement
- Public Transparency
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Service Performance
Consult: Nil
Co-Design: Nil
Local Government Victoria is also currently seeking feedback on Mandatory Candidate Training and the Council Expenses Policy. Please go to engage.vic.gov.au for more information or to comment.
Council meetings and COVID-19
Minister for Local Government the Hon Adem Somyurek said today that 'when Parliament is recalled next week legislation will be introduced to allow council meetings to be conducted virtually. Councils will continue to be required to make meeting open to the public through options like live streaming.'
Next Steps
The VLGA will continue to engage with industry stakeholders throughout the implementation process and provide updates via VLGA Discuss and the VLGA website. Please contact the VLGA for further information.
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