Training for Council Members

Councillors have a unique and challenging role performing their functions under the Act. Council recognises the value of training and continuing professional development to build and supplement Councillor skills and experience. Council adopted a Councillor Training & Professional Development policy at the 23 July 2020 Ordinary Council meeting. 

Section 5.126 of the Local Government Act 1995 requires each Council Member to complete training in accordance with regulations. This came into effect on 9 August 2019. Regulation 35 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 currently prescribes that the course titled Council Member Essentials must be completed within 12 months of being elected.

The Council Member Essentials course consists of 5 modules as follows:

• Understanding Local Government
• Serving on Council
• Meeting Procedures
• Conflicts of Interest
• Understanding Financial Reports and Budgets

Training completed by Council Members each financial year is required to be published on the Shire’s website by the 31 July each year in accordance with Section 5.127 of the Local Government Act 1995.