Gate opens for council candidates

By Helen Tatchell

On your marks, get set….GO.
Mandatory training for Council candidates is now open for all those thinking of standing within Moorabool Shire.
The online course is free and will take about one hour to complete and, is now a requirement prior to nominations closing for candidates on Monday 21 September, 5pm.
Developed and delivered by Local Government Victoria, the online Local Government Candidate Training is a ‘must-do’ for anyone wishing to run for election.
The course covers vital information all candidates need to know about being a councillor, including understanding a conflict of interest, a code of conduct and what support is available to help do the role.
Moorabool Mayor David Edwards said Council also offers comprehensive training of all new councillors.
“My view is I am not sure how this online training will compare to what we already have, what extra value it provides because of the extensive training provided by Council once a person has been elected,” he said.
“Our previous and current candidate information sessions and training covered all governance and related aspects. I am not sure of the point of this online training.”
Cr Edwards said Council training for elected candidates included budget processes, reading and understanding budgets, social media training and government meeting procedures.
“We offer a significant amount of training.”
As a result of the State Government’s new Local Government Act 2020, this year is the first time all candidates, including serving Councillors, need to complete training before nominating to stand for Council.
The online training can be accessed at

www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training