The Local Government Legislation Amendment (Stronger Communities) Act 2026 (Amendment Act) has been passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent on 29 September 2026.

Amendments to the Local Government Act 2020

The Amendment Act amends the Local Government Act 2020 (LGA 2020) to strengthen and clarify integrity and governance requirements of councils by:

  • implementing remaining local government related recommendations from the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) Operation Sandon Special Report that require legislative amendment
  • implementing recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry into the Whittlesea City Council in 2025, and
  • making other amendments to clarify and improve the operation of the LGA 2020.

The Amendment Act also delivers the Government’s 2022 election commitment to establish a Fair Jobs Code tailored to local government by:

  • providing for a Local Government Fair Jobs Code to be prescribed in regulations, and
  • establishing a regulatory framework, including the appointment of a Local Government Fair Jobs Code Regulator (the Regulator) within the Department of Government Services, with appropriate functions and powers to monitor, investigate and report on compliance by council Chief Executive Officers (CEO) with the Fair Jobs Code and other regulatory requirements.

Amendments to the City of Melbourne Act 2001

The Amendment Act makes various amendments to the electoral and rating arrangements that apply to the City of Melbourne under the City of Melbourne Act 2001 by:

  • removing group voting tickets from the election of Councillors
  • reducing entitlement to be enrolled on the voters' roll without application
  • increasing the permitted ratio between the lowest and highest differential rates if the Melbourne City Council uses the net annual value system of valuation, and
  • enabling a vacancy in the office of Deputy Lord Mayor to be filled by appointment.

Commencement

Amendments in Division 1 of Part 2 of the Stronger Communities Act came into operation on 30 September 2026

The remaining provisions of the Amendment Act were proclaimed on 20 October 2026 to allow for consultation and the development of the supporting regulatory framework.

The Local Government Act 2020 and City of Melbourne Act 2001 can be viewed on the Victorian Legislation website.

A Fact Sheet detailing the governance reforms is available here.

Consultation

The reforms have been informed by independent reports and recommendations and will give effect to a number of recommendations in the IBAC Operation Sandon Special Report and the Commission of Inquiry into the Whittlesea City Council in 2025 to strengthen council governance and integrity.

Further consultations will be carried out with the sector in relation to the development of regulations to give effect to the reforms, including in relation to the model governance rules and Fair Jobs Code.

Further information about these processes will soon be shared with the sector.