Ratepayers not satisfied by local councils and rogue councillors will be able to
A proposed new law to be introduced later this year states that if a citizen’s petition is published and signed by more than 25 per cent of eligible ratepayers a State Government probe would automatically be triggered.
The proposed changes to the Local Government Act include:
- Simplifying and clarify enrolments for voters in council elections;
- Introducing mandatory training for council election candidates and councillors;
- Capping electoral campaign donations and gifts;
- Allowing for the dismissal of a councillor after a community-initiated Commission of Inquiry;
- Defining standards of conduct to guide councillor behaviour and make dealing with councillor conduct issues faster and easier; and
- Introducing a preference for single-member wards to make councils more accountable.
The new bill to replace the Local Government Act (1989) will – if passed – also require councils to:
- Require councils to involve their community in developing policy and long-term planning;
- Align CEO employment and
renumeration to public sector entities; - Enable joint meetings of councils and greater council collaboration and innovation; and
- Empower community members to set the agenda for their municipality through a Community Vision.
“The new laws will help councils be more accountable, democratic and responsive.”
“These changes boost consultation and engagement between councils, residents, ratepayers and businesses – as well as providing for ongoing accountability,” Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said.
