Tate Papworth
The Brimbank council has thrown its support behind a push to have the requirements for council meetings changed so they can take place online.
Last month the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) called on the Victorian government to urgently make the changes to legistlation.
MAV president Coral Ross said in-person meetings are neither practical nor safe in the current climate.
“Inflexible council meeting requirements under state legislation is a significant concern for local governments across the country as many council chambers do not allow for appropriate social distancing. This is an unprecedented situation which requires collaboration and innovative thinking,” Cr Ross said.
“With streaming and virtual meetings now widely available, we call on the Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek and the State Government to make this common sense decision and enable one of these options to be implemented as as alternative to meeting face to face.”
Brimbank chief executive Helen Morrissey said Brimbank supported the move.
“Requiring councillors to meet face to face goes against current advice to adopt social distancing measures to slow the spread of Coronavirus,” Ms Morrissey said.
“In circumstances such as these, when we can’t safely bring people together, we believe having an alternative to face to face Council meetings and being allowed to conduct virtual meetings, is absolutely necessary.”
