Call for councils to move meetings online amid coronavirus pandemic
A local government law that says councillors must meet physically for decisions to pass during coronavirus pandemic has come under fire from councils across Victoria. Now they are calling on the State Government to urgently change it.
Inner East
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A requirement that councillors must be physically present at a meeting in order for decisions to pass has been blasted by a growing number of councils across Victoria.
Stonnington and Boroondara councils are among many calling on the State Government to update the Local Government Act because of COVID-19 coronavirus, saying it is contradictory to social distancing measures to slow the virus’ spread.
The Municipal Association of Victoria says changes are “urgently” needed.
Coral Ross, the president of the peak body for local government in Victoria, said requiring councillors to meet face-to-face went against advice to adopt social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
She said it was neither practical nor safe and the availability of online alternatives made the path forward obvious.
“This is an unprecedented situation which requires collaboration and innovative thinking,” Cr Ross said.
“With streaming and virtual meetings now widely available, we call on the Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek and the State Government to make this common sense decision and enable one of these options to be implemented as an alternative to meeting face-to-face.”
A Government spokeswoman, who refused to be named, said it was working with councils “to consider the implications of coronavirus on their operations including the welfare of staff, compliance with the Act, elections and their meetings”.
Both the Local Government Act 1989 and the new Local Government Act 2020 require councillors to physically attend a council meeting in order to take part in decision-making.
Stonnington has postponed its formal council meetings, with business now being decided on by council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill and senior council members. Councillors will continue to meet via videoconference.
Ms Weatherill said the move would allow council to “continue to deliver the essential services”.
“The safety of our community is critical,” she said.
Stonnington Mayor Steve Stefanopoulos said no major planning, financial or other matters would be determined during this time.
“We know this is an important task to ensure government continues and we are committed to transparency where possible,” he said.
“We are lobbying the State Government and the Minister for Local Government to change that, but until that occurs, the CEO has delegation to undertake all the work that we can,” he said.
Boroondara governance manager David Thompson said the council had “implemented social distancing measures”, resulting in extra seating areas with video links to the council chambers.
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Boroondara Council does not livestream its meetings despite spending almost $12 million upgrading its website and will “await a decision from (Mr Somyurek) regarding the ability to hold meetings remotely” before investigating introducing it.
The council also plans to “minimise” the number of council meetings it has.