Ballarat council elections 2020: Postal ballot to go ahead as planned

There had been widespread speculation that the elections would be postponed due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place across Victoria.

However, a statement released by the Local Government Minister Shaun Leane on Wednesday afternoon said they would proceed following the most recent advice from chief health officer Brett Sutton.

Mr Leane said:

"The Chief Health Officer has advised that October represents a period when risk is likely to be substantially lower than at present, and there are no compelling public health grounds for the elections to be delayed.

"The Chief Health Officer has also worked closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and is satisfied that appropriate physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene and workforce planning have all been considered and integrated into the VEC's COVIDSafe plans.

"The VEC have advised that election preparations are already well underway and that there are no administrative or procedural barriers to the election being held on 24 October 2020."

"This decision was not made lightly and is based on the best public health advice available - but I am pleased Victorian communities can have their say on their local government representatives at democratic council general elections as planned."

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) was sharply critical of the decision.

MAV President Cr Coral Ross said: "We have been calling for a deferral of local government elections for months now due to the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on free and fair elections.

"Minister Leane's announcement today means that the elections will not have the quality and diversity of candidates that Victoria deserves.

The elections will usher in a new nine-person council for Ballarat. It is likely to be the final time the current three-person ward system is used, with one-councillor wards set to be introduced in 2024 under the new local government act.

A number of residents have already announced their candidacy for the elections, with six candidates endorsed by the Labor Party - the first time such endorsements have taken place. They include current Crs Des Hudson and Daniel Moloney.

Three candidates have also been announced for the Greens Party (one in each ward, including current deputy mayor Cr Belinda Coates).

Of the remaining councillors, Crs Grant Tillett and Mark Harris have also confirmed they will run.

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