This guide is for Victorian public sector employees who are considering standing in a local government election. It explains what your obligations are before, during and after the election.
See our guidance on what public sector employees must do during elections for guidance on:
The VPSC also provides guidance for managers on how to manage an employee involved in election activities.
If you are a Victorian public sector employee, you can stand in an election for local government. You do not need to resign.
You need to comply with your organisation’s conflict of interest policy and complete a conflict of interest management plan. Depending on your circumstances this plan may require specific actions to identify, manage or mitigate any actual, potential or perceived conflicts.
Some actions that may support your standing for election include:
If you are taking leave, you can access the following types of leave:
For further information, speak to your manager or People and Culture team.
You do not need to resign if you are elected to local government as long as you can:
If you are elected to local government, you will need to update your conflict of interest management plan to include your new duties as a councillor and review the actions you must take to manage the conflict of interest.
Please be aware of any other requirements or restrictions for councillors in the Local Government Act 2020 (for example the requirements to avoid conflicts of interest).
You can contact Local Government Victoria for more information on any obligations which may apply to councillors.
Review of actions
A review of actions allows eligible Victorian Public Service (VPS) employees to ask their employer to review a decision that directly affects their employment. If your employer makes a decision about your plan to stand in a local government election that you think is unfair, you may be able to ask them to review the decision.
Find out more about a review of actions.