Latrobe Valley residents are being encouraged to have their say on how their local councillors are elected in a bid to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and stimulate increased voter participation.
In response to issues raised during last year’s council elections across Victoria, an independent panel has been established to gauge the community’s views on what changes they would like to see.
Matters up for consideration include the eligibility criteria for those wanting to run in an election, a requirement by candidates to reveal details about themselves including their education, committee experience and political affiliations, and finding the most effective method of voting.
The review will seek to gain an understanding of why people cast informal votes and what could be done to reduce this.
Latrobe City mayor Sandy Kam said the review would help create a more transparent system.
“I think anything that better informs and educates not only candidates, but the community when it comes to voting can only benefit us all,” Cr Kam said.
Cr Kam said she was personally pleased to see the method of voting would be addressed.
Council election votes in Latrobe City are currently cast through the post.
While Cr Kam said it was unclear whether a shift to attendance voting would help to increase participation, there needed to be more voter education.
“On polling day last year, somebody called me and said ‘where can I vote?’ And I had to tell them it was too late,” Cr Kam said.
The review will also seek to gauge whether there is a large number of ‘dummy candidates’, non-genuine contenders who run for election purely to direct preferences to another candidate.
“When people are voting they’re trusting and we have to make sure we have genuine people there. The penalties aren’t strong enough to deter people that aren’t genuine,” Cr Kam said.
Committee for Moe president Manny Gelagotis said he believed candidate criteria was the most important issue being discussed as part of the review.
“The lack of confidence (in council) at the moment is proof it needs to be scrutinised heavier,” Mr Gelagotis said.
“They need a wide range of skills, speaking skills, an education and be able to show a history of success and proven leadership.
“Councillors have far too much power and influence for the experience they hold.”
Have your say
To view the review discussion paper, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au
To make a submission phone 1300 736 075 or address them to Kendrea Pope, Head of Secretariat, Local Government Electoral Review, GPO Box 2392, Melbourne, VIC 3001.
Submissions close on Tuesday, 5 November.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, 21 October from 3pm to 6.30pm at the Latrobe City Service Centre on Kay Street, Traralgon, where residents are welcome to attend and can make a prior request to speak.
