Mitchell Shire Council will make a submission outlining its concerns about the proposed Local Government Bill 2019. The council’s submission highlights areas of concern including the move to single-member wards, mandatory training and its implementation and monitoring and the introduction of a commission of inquiry.
Separate to the proposed submission, the council has also written to Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek to raise its concerns about the short timeframe provided to give feedback on the proposed changes.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has also written to Mr Somyurek on behalf of the local government sector with concerns about the reforms and the fact that some have come about solely based on anecdotal feedback.
The Municipal Association of Victoria is seeking a deferral of the reforms for between 12 and 18 months to enable appropriate examination of the issues, cost impacts and proper consultation in line with the initial objectives of the review of the act.