At a time when Victorian councils are facing increasing challenges to their financial sustainability, and are being asked to deliver more with less, it is disappointing the Victorian state budget has failed to deliver much-needed investment to the local government sector.
Local Government is the closest tier of government to community and is well positioned to successfully tackle the issues communities are facing. It is vital the important role councils play is recognised through continued and meaningful investment in the sector.
The VLGA remains focused on leadership development, skills training and the good governance requirements of local representatives and is committed to collectively supporting councils to perform at the highest level.
Despite not receiving any funding in the Victorian state budget for our programs that support this focus, the VLGA will continue to progress the initiatives we have previously tabled in our funding bid to state government that support good local governance.
We know that investing in programs which support effective governance results in strengthened outcomes for communities. The VLGA will continue to advocate to state government for its investment in these programs.
The VLGA’s 2024 Victorian Councillor Census captured unique insights into the challenges and issues currently facing elected representatives (councillors) in the sector.
The Census directly informs the VLGA’s sector advocacy and our future program of work which includes conducting the Victorian Councillor Census annually, an expansion of the VLGA’s recognised Local Women Leading Change (LWLC) program, ongoing support for councillors, the rollout of a robust Councillor Professional Development Program that directly aligns with the new Victorian Government mandatory training requirements for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors, the expansion of our community leadership/candidacy development program, and a dedicated councillor support and advice hotline.
The VLGA remains steadfast in our commitment to improving culture in local government, achieving gender parity by the next election and ensuring councillors are supported on every stage of their journey from candidacy to end of term. We will continue to support all councillors and ensure they are prepared with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively and deliver for their communities.
We will continue to seek investment support from the state government so that we can deliver important prevention programs and initiatives, all aimed at establishing a positive operating environment for elected representatives and underpinned by good governance and effective leadership practices.
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