Election Period 2024
Published on 13 September 2024
Yarriambiack Shire to enter Election Period
Due to October’s Council elections, Council will soon be entering the caretaker period. Councils across Victoria must comply with the Local Government Act 2020 meaning that Council cannot make certain types of actions and decisions that could influence voters or have a major impact on the new Council.
The Election Period will commence from close of candidate nominations 12 noon – Tuesday 17 September 2024 and concludes 6pm on Election Day, 26 October 2024.
In line with Section 69 of the Local Government Act 2020, the Yarriambiack Shire Council has a comprehensive Election Period Policy. This policy is designed to uphold the integrity of the upcoming Council elections by ensuring fair conduct and preventing any undue influence on the electoral process.
The Election Period Policy is included in the Council’s Governance Rules and in summary, outlines several key commitments:
1. **Avoiding Significant Decisions**: During the Election Period, the Council will refrain from making significant new policies or major decisions that could unduly influence or bind the incoming Council. This measure is to ensure that the incoming Council can make decisions free from the constraints of prior actions.
2. **Resource Management**: The policy ensures that public resources, including staff time and materials, are not utilised for election campaigning or in any way that might improperly benefit current Councillors or influence the election outcome.
3. **Continuity of Ordinary Business**: The Council’s routine operations will continue responsibly and transparently, adhering to statutory requirements and established caretaker conventions. Activities related to the election will be kept separate from ordinary Council business.
4. **Publication Restrictions**: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will oversee compliance with Section 304 of the Local Government Act 2020. Official Council media statements will only be made by the Chief Executive Officer during the Election Period, including radio and television interviews. As much as possible throughout the Election Period, Council publicity and communications will be restricted to promoting normal Council activities and services and informing residents and ratepayers about the election process. We will be turning off all social media comments during the Election Period.
5. **Official Statements**: Only the CEO will issue official Council statements during the Election Period. Public communication will focus on regular Council activities and election process information, with minimal engagement in public consultation unless required by law.
6. **Event Management**: Events may continue but are subject to restrictions set by the CEO to ensure no undue influence on the election. Councillors will be restricted from making campaign-related speeches at such events.
7. **Officer Conduct**: Council officers are prohibited from engaging in activities that could influence election results or assisting Councillors with their campaigns. Any misuse of Council resources for campaign purposes must be reported to the CEO. Council Officers will continue to attend Progress Meetings (or equivalent) during the Election Period, as part of their business-as-usual activities.
Council is dedicated to maintaining a fair and transparent electoral process, ensuring that all activities and communications adhere to the highest standards of integrity. For more information about the Election Period Policy or any related inquiries, please contact Jo White, Governance Officer via email jwhite@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au or via phone during business hours on 03 53 98 0100.