Dates for local government elections scheduled in October are under review, a state government spokesperson has confirmed.
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In a brief statement issued on Friday morning, a government spokesperson wrote: "The State Government is currently working with Councils to consider the implications of COVID-19 on their operations including the welfare of staff, compliance with the Act, elections and their meetings."
Elections at councils across Victoria, including the City of Ballarat and surrounding Moorabool Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Hepburn Shire and Pyrenees Shire, are currently scheduled for October 23 this year.
Voting for the City of Ballarat elections would be via postal ballot, which would minimise any concerns over social distancing measures if they are still in place.
The distraction of a local government election - and the way the election is conducted - might be problematic
- Cr Des Hudson
However, if health restrictions are in place during the run-up to voting, it would have a significant impact on the candidates' ability to campaign.
The likelihood of elections proceeding in Victoria was put into further doubt following the decision of the New South Wales local government minister to push back September elections. The postponement is valid for 12 months, but could extend until the end of 2021.
Des Hudson, a long-term Ballarat councillor, has suggested the October dates should be reviewed. He said candidate forums could be cancelled due to restrictions on public gatherings.
"The distraction of a local government election - and the way the election is conducted - might be problematic," he said. He suggested a 12-month postponement was "worthy of consideration".
This week, the state government in New South Wales also introduced an amendment allowing councils to meet without requiring the physical presence of councillors. Meetings there can now be held using audio-visual links. No members of the public would attend under current restrictions, but meetings would have to be live-streamed.
The Ballarat mayor Cr Ben Taylor has also called for the Victorian local government minister to bring in a similar measure.
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