The Victorian State Government is looking at a range of local government reforms, aimed at making councils more accountable.

Former Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell announced the proposed changes earlier this year, saying they will improve councillors’ behaviour through the establishment of codes of conduct and a panel to hear internal complaints.

The changes have been tentatively welcomed by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), which says there must still be room for robust council debate.

“Councillor conduct processes have been ineffective in some cases due to a lack of understanding of roles and responsibilities, a lack of commitment to the code of conduct principles and their enforcement,” Ms Powell said in an address in February before being replaced in mid-March.

“Importantly for vexatious complaints, the Local Government Inspectorate will have the power to refuse setting up a panel if there is no evidence of misconduct, a key reform that the sector has called for, and which will ensure unsubstantiated complaints don’t clog up the system,” she said.

VLGA President, Cr Sebastian Klein says councillors should clearly mind their behaviours, but says more bureaucracy may not be needed.

“The essence of local democracy is the ability to freely express views and debate without fear of politically motivated reprimand,” he said.

“There must be adequate safeguards in place to ensure the new Mayoral powers will not allow Mayors to eject councillors for personal or political reasons, under the guise of ‘poor conduct’.

“Our view is that citizens expect their elected representatives to behave appropriately and respectfully in council meetings, but they also expect robust debate about critical issues for communities.”

Cr Klein says the VLGA will continue working to achieve the best for local government voters.

“We have always stated that councillor conduct cannot be fully legislated and firmly believe a balance between educative and punitive measures is necessary,” he said

“The proposed mandatory councillor induction training will play an important part in the development of councillors’ skills, knowledge and competency so they may better represent their communities, including within the chamber.

“We look forward to working closely with [new Local Government Minister Tim Bull] on the proposed reforms and further issues impacting on democratic governance,” said Cr Klein.