Local government elections have been given the green light to go ahead in October despite renewed pressure to delay them for a year.
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News that the risk from Victoria's second wave in October was likely to be "substantially lower than at present" was behind the state government's decision to let them proceed.
The government had been weighing up whether to proceed with the elections after last week announcing tight restrictions which made it difficult, especially for new candidates, to run an effective campaign.
Corangamite Shire councillor and Municipal Association of Victoria deputy president (rural) Ruth Gstrein had described the new safe campaigning regulations for candidates as "bad enough" for those in stage three lockdowns, but "dire" in stage four.
New minister for local government Shaun Leane said that the decision to go ahead with the October 24 elections was made on advice from Victoria's chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton.
"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." Mr Leane said.
Mr Leane said Professor Sutton had worked closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission and was satisfied that appropriate physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene and workforce planning had all been considered and integrated into the VEC's COVIDSafe plans.
"The VEC have advised that election preparations are already well under way and that there are no administrative or procedural barriers to the election being held on 24 October, 2020," he said.
"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."
A set of safe campaigning guidelines have been developed in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services to help candidates follow the chief health officer's directions and health advice during the campaign.
The government has also launched its candidate training course online, which all prospective candidates will need to complete.
It covers how councils are run, support available to councillors, the councillor code of conduct, conflict of interest guidelines and election donation rules.
The training course is one of a suite of reforms introduced through the new Local Government Act designed to enhance integrity and build community confidence in councils.
All candidates will also be able to provide voters with a 300-word statement in their ballot packs to be sent to voters.
In a first for Victoria, councils will be elected by statewide postal voting.
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