Jackson backs training plan

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson has welcomed State Government laws which require mandatory training for all new council members.

The Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 introduced to parliament last week requires all election candidates to complete an online induction prior to nominating for election, as well as five modules of training within the first 12 months of being in office if they are elected.

Cr Jackson said she believed the training would help people understand the responsibilities before they made the decision to run for council.

“I think it’s really important to do this before making a commitment to running for council,” Cr Jackson said.

“This role is not to be taken light-heartedly – it’s a very important role.

“You certainly do need assistance to get a good grounding in what the role involves.

“You have to understand what is required of you.”

Cr Jackson believes while any preparation to do a job better incorporates training, she hoped it would not put people off due to the further commitment of time.

“Councillors who work and take on a role in council as well, this has a huge impact on their time and usually cuts into time with family.

“The mandatory training has to be made accessible to people, given the impact on time.”

Cr Jackson said most people who got involved in their local council were usually triggered by something local, but needed to widen their scope to take on a council role.

“Harvey is such a large area, and a broad interest across the whole shire is needed,” she said.

“I think anyone in any role would want training to learn how to do what is required of them.”