Candidate resources

The Victorian Government provides compulsory training for all Victorians who wish to nominate as a candidate in any council elections. The training will help you understand the role and responsibilities of being a councillor.

The training also includes information to help in understanding conflicts of interest, the required code of conduct, and what support is available to help incoming councillors perform their role.

Under the Local Government Act 2020 you will not be able to nominate as a candidate unless you have completed the training.

Candidates are encouraged to complete the updated training even if you have previously done it and still have a valid certificate.

For more information on candidate training, please visit: Candidate Training (localgovernment.vic.gov.au)

If you are sharing something that is considered 'electoral campaign material', you must authorise it. These requirements apply to everyone at all times, not just candidates or during elections.

For more information visit the VEC's authorising local council election material webpage

The Local Government Inspectorate is responsible for enforcing these rules and investigating breaches. Visit lgi.vic.gov.au for more information.

Information and resources about standing for Council is available from a number of organisations.

Victorian Electoral Commission

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) conduct elections on behalf of all Victorian councils.

Nominations to become a candidate open Monday 9 September 2024 and close noon, Tuesday 17 September 2024. Find out more information and resources visit Local council candidate resources | Victorian Electoral Commission

Local Government Victoria

All candidates must complete the mandatory training provided by Local Government Victoria before submitting their nomination form. For more information, please visit the Local Government Victoria website.

Local Government Inspectorate

The Local Government Inspectorate is the dedicated integrity agency for local government in Victoria and investigates alleged offences under the Local Government Act 2020, including electoral offences.

The Local Government Inspectorate will publish fact sheets developed to support candidates and current councillors in the lead-up to the 2024 local government elections. 

For more information visit: Election fact sheets | lgi.vic.gov.au

Municipal Association of Victoria

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the legislated peak body for Victoria's 79 local councils, advocating for and supporting the interests of local government. On their website, you can find comprehensive information related to local council elections, including candidate resources, key dates, and election policies including the MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide.

For further information visit the MAV - Stand for Council webpage.

Victorian Local Governance Association

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is an independent organisation committed to supporting councils and councillors in good governance.

VLGA offers information sessions and supporting resources in the lead up to each General Election, including:

Local Women Leading Change

A campaign toolkit for women running for local government has been created by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). 

The Local Women Leading Change Election Handbook is a resource created to support women in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as elected representatives. It provides guidance through the local government election process and offers the necessary tools for those considering running in local government elections.

For more information and to download the toolkit visit: Local Women Leading Change - Your campaign toolkit | VLGA | Victorian Local Governance Association

Australian Local Government Women's Association

You can nominate for any ward within Port Phillip Council. All candidates must be qualified to nominate. To qualify, you must:

• be an Australian citizen or an eligible British subject referred to in section 48(1)(a) of the Constitution Act 1975
• be aged 18 years or older
• be an Australian citizen
• be eligible to vote in Port Phillip as a state-enrolled or council-enrolled voter
• have completed the mandatory Local Government Candidate Training if you haven't completed the training in the 2 years before the election day
• not be disqualified from being a councillor.

There is a list of circumstances that disqualify a candidate from nominating. For more information, visit the VEC website.

Nominations for the 2024 council elections closed at 12 midday 17 September 2024.

Candidates at a local government election are required under Victorian law to provide campaign donation returns.  All candidates must submit a campaign donation return within 40 days of election day.

All candidates must submit their campaign donation return form to council’s Chief Executive Officer within 40 days after election day. This includes candidates who were not elected and/or did not receive any campaign donations or gifts. Failure to lodge an Election Campaign Donation Return form is an offence and penalties apply under section 306 of the Local Government Act 2020.

The Local Government Inspectorate is responsible for enforcing these rules and investigating breaches.  

Enquiries in relation to the disclosure of election donations should be referred to the Local Government Inspectorate on 1800 469 359 or by email to inspectorate@lgi.vic.gov.au 

Read the Local Government Act 2020 (Sections 306-310) and Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2020

2024 Campaign Donation Returns Guidance Material

2024 Election Campaign Donation Return Form