Derwent calls for mayoral change

COUNCILLORS should be responsible for electing mayor and deputy mayors, not the general public, says the Derwent Valley Council.

The council has put forward a motion to this month’s Local Government Association of Tasmania general meeting asking it request a change to the Local Government Act.

The change would see one of two options, the first being the heads of council being elected by secret ballot by fellow councillors.

The second option would be making mayor and deputy mayor statutory positions and nominees could only run for either one of those positions or a councillor position.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said allowing councillors to vote in their leaders would work the same way as the leader and deputy leader of major political parties are elected.

Cr Evans said there was confusion around how to vote for some people at last year’s local government elections.

“With all-in, all-out elections now and four-year terms, there needs to be something different done,” he said.

“It’s about strengthening local government and giving it some uniformity.

“Either option would clear up confusion and streamline things for people.”

LGAT chief executive offi- cer Katrena Stephenson said the association agreed there was public confusion about electing a person as both a councillor and deputy mayor or mayor.

“The solution is not clear,” Dr Stephenson said.

“Consideration could also be given to changing electoral processes so that candidates could run for mayor/deputy mayor or councillor but not both. This, however, brings the risk that a fear of losing position on council might reduce the number of potential mayoral candidates and would likely give greater value to incumbency.”

She said another option would more education on voting at election time.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said the Government did not intend to change the process for election of mayors and deputy mayors.

“As with all motions before the LGAT general meeting, the Government will take note of the outcomes,” Mr Gutwein said.

The LGAT general meeting forms part of its annual conference which will be held in Launceston from July 22-24.