Ipswich in Summer 2019-2020

RETURNED TO ELECTED REPRESENTATION

Ipswich City Council has devoted considerable resources to the creation of a program that will best prepare the city for its return to elected representation following the local government elections in March 2020. Everyone has an important role to play and council has committed to doing all it can to educate the community and candidates between now and March 2020, and ensure incoming councillors are provided with the training, governance tools and support they need to successfully drive the city forward. The ‘Ipswich, it’s YOUR council’ campaign will feature a suite of online educational resources as well as a comprehensive Candidate Guide created to inform voters and candidates alike. Council encourages every eligible voter and candidate to read this guide so they understand the role of a councillor, the role of council, desirable skills and attributes of a councillor, and the big issues and opportunities facing the city. In addition to these tools and resources, CEO David Farmer announced that a new Councillor Integrity Policy Package has been created, featuring the introduction of new policies and amendments to existing ones to ensure that all councillor- related policies are appropriately aligned with relevant legislation.

“The new integrity based policy package for councillors sets leading practice standards for all incoming councillors to ensure that good governance, ethical and legal behaviour standards and transparent and effective processes are in place, providing a clear benchmark for all interactions between councillors, council officers and members of the community,” he said. Incoming councillors will undertake a comprehensive induction and training program to ensure they are well-placed to take over the leadership of the city, with an ongoing commitment by council to provide professional development opportunities for councillors. A leading practice framework has also been created to best manage communication between councillors, council officers and the community. Potential and confirmed candidates will be provided with two opportunities to ask questions of both Ipswich City Council and the Electoral Commission Queensland at Community Information Sessions to be held on 26 November 2019 and 4 February 2020. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Visit Itsyourcouncil.com.au for more information.

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