There are new mandatory training requirements for Mayors and Deputy Mayors, along with new ongoing professional development throughout the 4-year councillor term.
An induction program is a great chance to start building a strong, collaborative team. It allows the Mayor and Councillors to discuss how they want to work together, set goals, and define their roles and responsibilities, which helps build trust and positive working relationships.
Mayor and Deputy Mayor training
Section 27a of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) requires a Mayor and Deputy Mayor to complete Mayoral training within one month of their appointment.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor must make a written declaration in front of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) stating they have completed the required training, ensuring it is dated and signed.
A failure to complete the training or to make the declaration may see the Mayor/Deputy Mayor allowance being withheld until the Act’s requirements are met.
Mandatory Councillor Induction Training
Section 32 of the Act requires all councillors to complete induction training within 4 months of the day they take the oath / affirmation of office.
Every councillor must make a written declaration in front of the CEO stating they have completed the required training, ensuring it is dated and signed.
A failure to complete the training or make the declaration may see the councillor allowance being withheld until the Act’s requirements are met.
Local Government Victoria (LGV) has published detailed guidance around the training requirements, which can be found here: Guidance on the mandatory training for Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors.
To assist with the making of declarations, Word templates based on LGV’s guidance material have been provided below.
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