Candidates

To become a candidate in a council election, you must be enrolled on the voters’ roll for the election. You can nominate to be a candidate in any of the seven wards in Hobsons Bay.

The VEC provides information for candidates and parties on becoming a candidate in a council election, which includes information on handbooks, forms, campaigning, funding and donations.

Candidate Qualifications

To be a candidate for a council election, you must: 

  • be an Australian citizen.
  • be aged 18 years of age or over.
  • be enrolled on the voters' roll for the council in which you wish to stand.
  • have completed the mandatory Local Government Candidate Training.
  • not be disqualified from being a councillor.

The Election Manager appointed by the VEC will reject a nomination from a person who is not enrolled on the voters’ roll for the election.

Disqualifications

You cannot be a candidate for any of the following reasons:

  • You are an undischarged bankrupt.
  • You have property that is subject to control under the law relating to bankruptcy.
  • You are a member of council staff of the council – you can take leave from this role in order to nominate.
  • You have been convicted of any of the criminal offences referred to in section 34(2) of the Act.
  • You are a councillor with another council, including interstate councils.
  • You are member of an Australian parliament, including the federal parliament or in any state or territory.
  • You are employed by a federal or state member of parliament as a ministerial officer, a parliamentary adviser or an electorate officer – you can take leave from these roles in order to nominate.
  • You are otherwise incapable of becoming or continuing to be a councillor.

Further details are outlined in the Local Government Act 2020.  If unsure of you’re eligible, seek independent legal advice.

Online Candidate Development Program

Hobsons Bay City Council, in partnership with the Victorian Local Government Association, is holding an online Candidate Development Program. This program will prepare candidates in the community to stand for the local government elections. It will equip participants with the information, tools and knowledge they need when considering the role of a councillor, and highlight the importance of this role in council’s delivery of positive outcomes for their community through high performance leadership and effective governance. For more information visit Online Candidate Development Program.

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