Councils greet training scheme

By Tania Martin
CARDINIAShire Council has welcomed the call for extra councillor training while the neighbouring City of Knox has stood by its internal training methods.
The Victorian Local Government Alliance recently wrote to Local Government Minister Candy Broad expressing concern over the training of councillors in Victoria.
VLGA president Warren Maloney said the alliance believed that ongoing public issues had confirmed a need for a more systematic and rigorous approach to the training of councillors.
Mr Maloney said for the past 11 years the VLGA had been urging the government to implement a more systematic approach to councillor training, particularly one that provides for training actually accredited by tertiary institutions.
“The advantages of accredited training clearly authenticates the processes and outcomes of both technical training and wider professional development,” he said.
Mr Maloney said further training for councillors would also mean that they could take the training into their outside work and career and be recognised for their achievements.
He said that as the level of government closest to the community, a council is expected to portray the highest standards of conduct, behaviour, transparency and accountability.
And, Mr Maloney said to achieve this the VLGA has written to Minister Broad seeking support to strengthen the work already provided by local government’s peak bodies and to specifically establish a councillor training task force in partnership with the government.
Shire of Cardinia Emerald Ward councillor Graeme Legge said it would be useful to have councillor training made available to new councillors and revision training for incumbent councillors.
Cr Legge said councillors have a whole range of skills and training but some have a wider range than others depending on their experience. Cr Legge also said that it would be beneficial for councillors who have been in office for a while to undertake a revision course. He said one of the main issues for councillors was having a good grasp of the government and planning legislation.
City of Knox director of corporate development Mick Jaensch said that councillors and staff are always reviewing training programs on a regular basis to identify opportunities for improvement or additional training requirements.
Mr Jaensch said the council had developed an extensive training program to support councillors which covers meeting procedures, understanding budgets, legal rights, media and representation skills, and conflict resolution.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges did not repond to the Mail’s questions in time for this article.