Darebin Councillors call State Government proposal ‘undemocratic’, ‘heavy handed’
The State Government wants to change the structure of councils to one size fits all but are going against the advice from Victoria’s independent electoral authority. Now councillors are preparing to fight back.
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The State Government is proposing new local government laws which go against the recommendations of its independent electoral authority.
Darebin councillors have slammed the plan to shake up their representation as “heavy handed” and “undemocratic”.
Changes to the Local Government Act, which sets guidelines for how councils operate, include a proposal to move all councils to a single-member ward system unless impractical to do so.
In its last nine reviews, the VEC has never recommended a council change to a single-councillor ward system.
When fewer and larger wards are unlikely to fairly represent the community, such as in rural municipalities with large areas and concentrated populations, the VEC recommends an undivided council area.
The State Government’s proposed changes also include moving nonresident property owners to an opt-in enrolment system for council elections, capping electoral campaign donations and allowing the community to start processes to dismiss councillors.
Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek said the bill would meet the changing needs of Victorians.
“These changes boost consultation and engagement between councils, residents, ratepayers and businesses — as well as providing for ongoing accountability,” he said.
But Darebin councillor Susanne Newton said she had “grave concerns” about the “undemocratic” changes.
The Victorian Electoral Commission changed Darebin from single-member wards to three, three-councillor wards after a review in 2007.
“I see this as incredibly heavy handed. Only having a month to do consultation is outrageous and I think this would change the face of Darebin Council remarkably,” Cr Newton said.
Cr Trent McCarthy said the proposal went against reason, logic and evidence.
“There has not been a case put forward … to say why single-member wards would deliver a more representative outcome,” he said.
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“This is a politically inspired move rather than something based on getting the best outcome for a community.”
Councillors will consider submitting their concerns to the State Government on July 8.
Feedback on the proposed bill is open until July 17 and available through the Local Government website.
The VEC is currently conducting a separate review of Darebin Council’s structure.
Submissions close on July 24 and are open here.
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