Being a councillor is an important role that carries with it significant responsibilities to the community. Councillors owe it to their community to take personal responsibility for their learning and to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their role effectively.
As a result of the recent amendments to the Local Government Act, councils will be required to support councillors with their learning and professional development. Councils will be required to:
- develop an induction program for newly elected and returning councillors and a specialist supplementary program for the mayor
- develop each year an ongoing professional development program for the mayor and each councillor
- consult with councillors and consider their specific needs in tailoring a program for each councillor.
Councillors in turn have a responsibility to participate in the training their council arranges for them. Councils will be required to publicly report on each councillor’s participation in the training arranged for them.