A new Local Government Act 2020 for Victoria received royal assent on the 24 March 2020. The Act is now being implemented in four stages with the first phase of reforms being proclaimed on the 6 April 2020 and stage 4 to be proclaimed on the 1 July 2021.
This staged implementation process will mean that Councils will transition over the next 2 years under legislation from two Local Government Acts i.e Local Government Acts 1989 and 2020.
In introducing the new legislation the Victorian State Government indicated that Councils deliver more than $8b in vital services to their communities annually and the new Act will deliver the Government’s commitment to modernise how local government works through reforms in five key areas:
- Allow councils to improve the services they deliver for communities through better financial managements and engagement with the community;
- Improve councillor conduct with clear standards of behaviour and stronger mechanisms to address poor conduct;
- Give the community confidence by making reforms to election processes and candidature requirements; and
- Provide a new relationship between State and Local government and the community.
CT Management Group has developed an extensive data base on all aspects of the new legislation and our services are available to provide support and guidance to Council in implementing the Act.
This support includes draft policies, charters, plans along with Associate placements to assist Council staff implement the extensive changes required over the four stages of the Act implementation. Contact us on 1300 500 932 or through the form below for further information and support.