Dear LG Focus:
Earlier this month, I took the opportunity to present to the Independent Panel set up by the State Government to review the local government electoral system.
I expressed a view that more information should be provided by candidates in the lead up to elections. It is important to know some further basic information about candidates, including educational background, professional experience, and community involvement, affiliations with political parties, groups and organisations. Voters need this type of information to make informed choices when voting.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) can also do more to raise community awareness about council elections. The advertising undertaken by the VEC and the limited state-wide television advertising seems to be inadequate in raising community awareness of elections.
More also needs to be done to educate candidates about the role of councillors. Many councillors, when speaking about their role, advise that it takes 30–40 hours per week, which may discourage people in full-time work or in business to stand for council. If councillors had a focus on the strategic role of setting strategy, establishing policy, monitoring performance and accountability, it would be feasible for people in business and full-time employment to stand for council. Once elected, councillors feel obligated to respond to resident requests and involve themselves in details which could be readily addressed by staff.
Therefore it is important that the role of councillor be clearly communicated.
I encourage other mayors and councillors from across Victoria to take part in this process. I am looking forward to reading the Independent Panel’s recommendations in coming months.
Yours sincerely,
Cr Lisa Ruffell, Mayor,
City of Greater Bendigo
