At the 25 July Council meeting, Golden Plains Shire Council adopted its updated Councillor Support and Expense Policy (the Policy).
The revised Policy comes after an extensive review and consultation process, taking into account the opportunity to provide clarity and to further strengthen accountability and equity in local government, delivering a higher degree of transparency and integrity for Councillors and for the public.
Key changes to the Policy include:
- Addition of overarching, informing principles, aimed at guiding decision making under the policy;
- Changes to the approval process for professional development programs for Councillors, for example when the program is delivered by a sector peak body;
- Approval for attendance by the Mayor at the annual ALGA conference held in Canberra which will no longer require a resolution of Council;
- Maximum annual expenditure on professional development programs for the Mayor increased to $5,000, to reflect the additional responsibilities of the Mayor;
- Definition of ‘eligible Council business’ for the purposes of mileage expense claims clarified; and
- Clarifications and improvements to structure and procedures, such as changes to deadlines for claims to be submitted and dispute of claim decision processes.
The Policy was endorsed by Council at its May Council meeting and placed on public exhibition for a period of two-weeks, with no submissions received during that period.
Pursuant to the Local Government Act 2020 (The Act) Councils must adopt and maintain an Expense Policy in relation to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for Councillors and members of delegated committees. It sets clear boundaries and ensures that funds are utilised efficiently and prudently.
Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham says the updated Policy ensures compliance with The Act.
The adopted changes to the Councillor Support and Expense Policy provide a consistent and transparent framework for Councillors and Council officers when managing Councillor support opportunities and expense reimbursements.
The amendments align with policies developed by surrounding Councils and Local Government Victoria’s best practice policy.
To view the updated Councillor Support and Expense Policy, visit https://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/council/organisation-and-governance/council-policies