Mandatory training for election candidates now online

Published on 24 August 2020

Shire residents thinking of standing for Council in the October general election need to do mandatory training online before nominating.

The course will teach candidates the role of councillor and the standards they must uphold.

It was introduced under the new Local Government Act 2020.

Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason said the State Government had developed the course so that people thinking about standing for Council have a good understanding of the role.

“The training covers vital information such as the roles of councillors and council staff, and what councils are responsible for,” Mr Mason said.

“It also explains conflict of interest, confidentiality, the Councillor Code of Conduct and the Oath of Office, and what support and entitlements are available to councillors.

“All potential candidates, even experienced councillors, will need to do the training to meet the new requirements under the act.”

The training takes about an hour online. It is not optimised for phones, so a computer or tablet is needed.

Anybody who needs help accessing the training can call council on 5593 7100 for support.

The training can be found here.

For further information on nominating, go to the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

Nominations open on Thursday 17 September and close at noon on Tuesday 22 September 2020.

Postal ballot packs will be sent to voters in the first week of October and completed forms must be received by the VEC by 6 pm Friday 23 October.