Election Period Policy updated

Published on 21 March 2025

The City of Whittlesea’s updated Election Period Policy was endorsed at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 March.

The policy, which was open for community consultation from 26 February to 12 March 2025, was updated in preparation for the upcoming Federal Election. Its goal is to ensure that both prospective and nominated candidates, whether serving as Councillors or Council officers, maintain transparency and integrity throughout the election process.

Some of the amendments include:

• a Councillor or Council officer must not place any election materials on or in any Council owned or operated facility or land
• Councillors are prohibited from promoting their election campaign or individual policy positions during any Council Meeting
• Council officers are prohibited from approaching Councillors leading up to an election in an attempt to gain an advantage or benefit in exchange for a formal decision to be made by the Council
• a Council officer will not use their position or their access to other Council officers and resources to gain media attention in support of an election campaign.

The Election Period Policy forms part of the City of Whittlesea Governance Rules.

To view the Election Policy visit the website.

Quotes attributable to the City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor, Cr Daniela Zinni

“This policy update provides clarity to both Councillors and Council Officers who may be considering running in the upcoming Federal Election and ensure that integrity and transparency is maintained.”