Golden Plains Shire Council is inviting community members to have their say on the draft Councillor Support and Expense Policy (the draft policy), which was endorsed at the Council meeting on 23 May 2023 and is now on public exhibition.
Under the Local Government Act 2020 (the ‘Act’) requires that Council adopt and maintain an expenses policy in relation to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for Councillors and members of delegated committees.
In ensuring compliance with the Act, Council adopted its Councillor Support and Expense Policy in November 2021. A detailed review has now been undertaken and comprehensive changes are suggested to improve clarity and function of the policy which aims to strengthen accountability and equity in local government, delivering a higher degree of transparency and integrity for the public.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham explained that the draft policy has been reviewed in order to pursue continuous improvement and align with the Act and Local Government Victoria’s best practice policies.
The draft policy provides a consistent and transparent framework for Councillors and Council officers when managing Councillor support opportunities and expense reimbursements.
I encourage all interested residents to have a look at the draft policy and share their thoughts on the document during the public exhibition period.
A copy of the Policy is available online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or at Council’s Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Feedback is invited in writing and needs to be received by 9am, Friday 9 June 2023:
- online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
- by email to [email protected] or
- mailed to Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331.
Council will consider the final documents for adoption at June 2023 meeting.