The process will take place through a postal vote, with all candidates able to provide voters with a 300-word statement in their ballot packs to be sent to voters.
“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,’ Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said.
“The Chief Health Officer has also worked closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission 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 has advised that election preparations are already well under way and that there are no administrative or procedural barriers to the election being held on October 24.
“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.”
But Municipal Association of Victoria president Coral Ross believes the elections should have been delayed allowing candidates time to promote their campaigns.
“With the ongoing restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and rural and regional Victoria, we face the very real proposition that many exceptional candidates will not nominate,” she said.
“Current stage four and three restrictions also make campaigning very difficult and costly.”
“Minister Leane’s announcement today means that the elections will not have the quality and diversity of candidates that Victoria deserves.”
The NSW Government had already announced it was moving its local government elections from September to 2021.
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