The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has launched two new model policies, aimed at enhancing councillor conduct and strengthening good governance practices.
The Councillor Confidentiality Policy and Councillor Social Media Policy, not only respond to the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, but also ensure councillors are always operating with integrity and good governance front of mind.
While not mandatory, both were recommended policy inclusions as part of the recent local government reforms.
VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt said the model policies would not only assist councils to deliver best practice good governance but would also ensure consistency in how these policies were applied across the sector.
“These model policies will ensure VLGA member councils continue to lead the way in providing the highest level of good governance when making decisions for their communities.”
“Social media is a powerful engagement tool but over the course of the previous term, there were occasions where the platforms were used inappropriately which resulted in code of conduct issues.”
“The same applies to confidentiality. We unfortunately saw some reports of privacy breaches which we don’t want repeated this term,” Ms Arndt said.
“It is the VLGA’s view that these policies will go a long way to enhancing councillor conduct and good governance practices and ensure consistency in application across the sector.”
The Councillor Confidentiality Policy specifies when information provided to councillors must be managed securely to protect private or confidential information.
The Councillor Social Media Policy provides councillors with guidelines on how to use social media effectively to maximise community engagement, while balancing community expectations and reputational risk.
Ms Arndt said both policies have been designed to ensure integrity and good governance underpin how councils and councillors operate.
Copies of the model policies and supporting documentation are available at no cost to all VLGA member councils. To receive a copy, please contact vlga@vlga.org.au.
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