A PROJECT to help improve the internal culture at local governments statewide is underway.
Local Government Victoria is currently seeking feedback to shape the Local Government Culture Project. A discussion paper on the issue was released late last year, highlighting that between 2016 and 2020 the Victorian government became involved with four anti-corruption investigations and five councils being dismissed.
The previous Frankston Council’s behaviour saw a monitor appointed by the state government in late 2017. She left in September 2019, leaving behind a damning report which read that councillors had been acting in a “disrespectful, hostile, and aggressive” manner (Council behaviour ‘hostile and aggressive’, The Times, 23/12/19). One councillor was suspended for allegedly bullying a colleague during the 2016-2020 term.
Just one Frankston councillor from 2016-2020 ended up being elected for the 2020-2024 term. During this council term, a first-time councillor was suspended for a month after making social media posts disparaging council policy and decisions.
In a Local Government Inspectorate newsletter, chief municipal inspector Michael Stefanovic AM said the Local Government Culture Project is important because “it is vital for democracy that local governments reflect the communities they serve. Behaviour such as bullying or sexual harassment can stop good candidates standing for election.”
“Poor councillor behaviour can affect the cohesiveness of a council group and lead to issues such as councillors voting in blocks, making vexatious complaints to authorities or the inability for a council to make decisions in the community’s best interests,” he said. “Many complainants have contacted us over the years with the mistaken impression that the Inspectorate can sort out issues of poor councillor behaviour. However, it is the responsibility of mayors and councillors to improve the culture of councils.”
Local government minister Shaun Leane has encouraged people to give feedback on the project. “Victorians deserve the best from their elected representatives, and this is an opportunity for the local government sector to work towards improving the culture of councils across the state so that they can best serve their communities,” he said.
“Councils do not get enough credit for the great work they do in their communities, sadly the poor behaviour of a few can taint the whole sector if not properly addressed. I invite members of the sector and the community to have their say as part of this project to help strengthen councils and build a sector we can all be proud of.”
View the Local Government Culture Project discussion paper and provide feedback at localgovernment.vic.gov.au. Submissions are open until Monday 28 February 2022.
