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Council notes ‘caretaker provisions’ for electionCaretaker provisions prior to the November council elections will come into effect on Friday 30 September 2005, committing Council to a number of pre-election restrictions. By Latrobe City Council - 24th August 2005 - Back to News Latrobe City’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Buckley, said that Council had recently been briefed on the caretaker provisions and had noted a number of changes to the regulations outlined in the ‘Local Government (Democratic Reform) Act’.
"Numerous councils across Victoria are holding general elections in November this year and all are bound by the new caretaker provisions. The provisions identify a code of conduct for councils to follow in the lead up to the elections that ensure all local government election candidates stand on an equal footing," Mr Buckley said.
"From the start of the caretaker period, all councils undertaking elections must avoid making significant new policies or decisions that could unreasonably bind a future council. No new major policy, strategic or funding decision will be made by councils during the election period. These are nominated as contracts or initiatives where the total value exceeds $100,000 or 1% of council rate revenue.
"It’s important to understand that this does not mean that everything grinds to a halt because of the election. Latrobe City’s services to the community will continue to function throughout the election period and work in progress will continue," Mr Buckley said.
"Public resources including staff resources cannot in any way be used in election campaigning or in a way that may improperly influence the result of an election. This ensures existing councillors standing as candidates for re-election, cannot be advantaged over other contenders.
"Additionally, mayors and councillors may only request information from their corporate organisations that relate to current council issues or those that are on the current council agenda," Mr Buckley explained.
"Restrictions will also apply to the creation or distribution of material supplied to the media during the caretaker period. While our ratepayers obviously need to be kept informed of events that are occurring in which council has a role, material we distribute will not quote the mayor or councillors in case this can be construed as providing those currently serving, with an advantage over other candidates. It’s all about fairness and equity."
Mr Buckley said that candidates will be able to stand for all nine wards in the November election which is being conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission by postal ballot.
"At this stage, it’s important that all those on the Victorian Electoral Commission’s roll ensure that they are correctly enrolled; and that those ratepayers not eligible to vote in State or Federal elections but who qualify to vote in local government elections, make an application to vote prior to 30 September," Mr Buckley said.
"I would also urge prospective candidates for this election to avail themselves of the information session being facilitated by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) on 30 August. Speakers at the workshop will outline the roles and responsibilities involved in being a councillor," Mr Buckley added.
The MAV information session will be held from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday 30 August 2005, in the Nambur Wariga Meeting Room at the corporate headquarters in Commercial Road Morwell.
The session will include an opportunity for open discussion and questions. It is free of charge to attend and each registered participant will receive a comprehensive information kit.
Those wishing to register to attend the information session or make further enquiries on the caretaker provisions, should contact Latrobe City’s Governance Manager, Caroline Flake, telephone 5128 5657.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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