In just seven months, Ipswich voters will be off to the polling booths to vote for the city’s next mayor and councillors. It will be a significant time for Ipswich as it returns to elected representation; the beginning of a positive, new chapter.
It’s reassuring to see that, despite the many challenges your council has had to overcome over the last 18 to 24 months, several candidates have already thrown their hat in the democratic ring, and I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of what will be a surge of locals stepping up to advocate for their communities.
A few months ago I offered to meet with potential candidates to talk through the contemporary role of a councillor (and mayor) under Queensland’s legal framework and how council is preparing to ensure our incoming representatives are set up for success.
I’ve had some very interesting and positive conversations, and I look forward to continuing these discussions as March 2020 draws near.
One of the most common concerns I receive from residents contemplating whether they will run is that they don’t know how to be a “good” councillor. It isn’t clear to them what they can and can’t do, and they’re worried about accidentally doing something wrong.
Given what the city has recently endured, I certainly understand these concerns.
Your council, and I’m sure the various communities of Ipswich, want all incoming councillors (and the mayor) to succeed and to deliver the highest quality of leadership, advocacy and service to the city.
With these goals in mind, council officers have been focussed on creating a range of tools, policies and procedures for our new team of elected representatives.
When it comes to educating candidates on the legal roles and responsibilities of a councillor in accordance with the Local Government Act, a comprehensive suite of informative documents that address these issues will be made widely available for both potential candidates and the community at large to access.
While the state government will conduct compulsory training sessions for candidates, Ipswich City Council has committed to going one step further. Over and above this session, all Ipswich candidates will be invited to attend community information sessions and will be provided with access to additional online training opportunities.
By the time an aspiring candidate enters the official campaign period, they will be well educated and informed about their duties and obligations, as well as the penalties for not fulfilling these duties.
Following the election, incoming councillors will be asked to undertake a rigorous training program, over and above the core requirements under the law. They will also receive access to a comprehensive tool kit that will provide guidance, direction and support across all areas of council operations.
When your newly-elected representatives enter council chambers for their first meeting, we want them to be the most highly-trained and informed councillors in the state. And should they have any concerns or queries, they can turn to their specialist support team of council officers for assistance.
We’re dedicating considerable resources to ensure that this city’s newly elected councillors and mayor, no matter what their background or experience, are provided with all they need to confidently fulfil their duties.
Your city deserves no less.
