Winter 2021 - Local government integrity matters

Welcome to the winter edition of our integrity matters newsletter.

While this edition finds COVID-19 restrictions imposed across the state, I hope that as the weather starts to warm up and case numbers stabilise, we are able to move towards reduced restrictions.

Even though local government may have 'closed its doors' or reduced in-person services during lockdown, the important work of the sector continues with the delivery of the vast array of council services. Trying to find a silver lining to the COVID cloud is hard but with the rise of digital meeting platforms (expertly navigated by primary school kids) and the shift of ‘public’ meetings from Town Halls to computer screens, the opportunity for the community to observe the work and ask informed questions of council has never been greater.

This newsletter looks at some responsibilities councillors and senior staff have in maintaining public trust in their council. We will soon release a wide-ranging review on councillors’ personal interest declarations and preview what this report covers.

Our review of campaign donation returns found that the number of candidates who failed to submit their return halved in 2020 compared to 2016. Meanwhile, as South Gippsland gears up for its elections, we remind candidates to be respectful of how they behave on social media.

We also discuss how conflict of interest provisions have changed with the new Local Government Act and what it means to those having to declare interests – both councillors, nominated officers and key council staff.

Finally, we look at the rising number of unreasonable or vexatious complaints the Inspectorate is receiving and remind councils and the public that we are not able to investigate complaints that are outside our jurisdiction.

I look forward to having the opportunity to get out and meet more of you in person soon. In the meantime, please ensure that you look after yourself.

Michael Stefanovic AM
Chief Municipal Inspector