Goya Dmytryshchak and Benjamin Millar
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils have supported calls to be allowed to meet virtually instead of in-person for council meetings during the coronavirus state of emergency.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on the state government to urgently amend the Local Government Act to enable council meetings to take place online.
The MAV says requiring councillors to meet face-to-face goes against current advice to adopt social-distancing measures to slow the spread of coronavirus.
The act requires councillors to be physically in attendance at a council meeting in order to participate in council decision-making.
If there isn’t a majority of councillors in attendance, councils cannot make a quorum and the meetings cannot proceed.
MAV president Coral Ross said in-person meetings were neither practical nor safe.
“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,” she said.
Both Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils live stream their meetings.
Hobsons Bay’s chief executive Aaron van Egmond has been given more powers during the coronavirus pandemic in the event that council is unable to maintain a quorum throughout the period of the state of emergency.
Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates said the council supported the push for meetings to move to an online forum during the state of emergency.
“The Local Government Act 1989 currently stipulates that council meetings require the ‘physical’ attendance of councillors,” she said.
“This places councillors, staff and important decision-making at risk.
“It is important that the business of council can continue without interruption during the pandemic, especially for those who may be more vulnerable and during a time when people are best kept safe by staying at home.”
Maribyrnong’s next ordinary council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21.
“Any measures aimed at minimising risks to elected representatives while performing their public duties are welcomed,” Maribyrnong chief executive Stephen Wall said.
