Local government election candidates will be required to complete an online induction prior to nominating for this year's local government elections under new legislation introduced today into State Parliament.
The McGowan Government's Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 introduces priority reforms to better equip council members to undertake their role, and provide greater transparency and accountability to the community.
Candidates will be required to complete an online induction prior to nominating for election to ensure they are fully aware of what is involved in being an elected member and the rules around campaigning.
Following election, they will also be required to complete five modules of training within the first 12 months of being in office.
Additional reforms introduced include the requirement for a code of conduct, CEO recruitment and performance management standards, a new framework for the acceptance of gifts and improved reporting to the community.
The next stage of reforms is currently open for comment at www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/lgreform and closes on March 31, 2019.
The Bill includes provisions to simplifying and strengthening local government gifts provisions by removing any doubt about what gifts need to be reported, mandating online reporting, focusing on gifts that create conflicts of interest and extending requirements to Chief Executive Officers.
As noted by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
"Reforms to the local government sector begin with training.
"By better preparing council members for their complex and important role, we will see more efficient and effective decisions being made.
"Local government is an important tier of government and makes a significant contribution to Western Australian communities.
"I am pleased to introduce this legislation today which illustrates the McGowan Government's commitment to ensuring the local government sector has the tools to face the challenges of a modern world."
