The Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel (LGMAP) is appointed and chaired by the Minister for Local Government. The panel advises the Minister on a range of legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy decisions which impact the local government sector. Meetings of the LGMAP are usually scheduled between March and October to account for mayoral terms and to enable the Minister to select members through an expression of interest process.

2023 LGMAP

Back L-R: Cr Hadi Saab; Cr Fiona Stevens; Cr Pierce Tyson; Cr Jim Magee; Cr Rosie Annear; Cr Tina Samardzija.

Front: L-R: Cr Tony Briffa; Cr Claudia Nguyen; Cr Sophie Price; Cr Andrea Metcalf; Minister for Local Government, the Hon Melissa Horne; Cr Annemarie McCabe, Cr Laura Binks.

The Minister for Local Government wrote to all mayors advising them of the opportunity to express an interest in being appointed to the 2023 LGMAP. The expression of interest process opened on 20 January 2023 and closed on 10 February 2023.

The Minister for Local Government has appointed the 2023 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel (LGMAP).

The appointees to the 2023 LGMAP are:

1. Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor, Greater Bendigo City Council

2. Cr Annemarie McCabe, Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council

3. Cr Antoinette (Tony) Briffa, Mayor, Hobsons Bay City Council

4. Cr Augustina (Tina) Samardzija, Mayor, Monash City Council

5. Cr Claudia Nguyen, Mayor, Yarra City Council

6. Cr Fiona Stevens, Mayor, Mitchell Shire Council

7. Cr Hadi Saab, Mayor, Kingston City Council

8. Cr James (Jim) Magee, Mayor, Glen Eira City Council

9. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor, Moyne Shire Council

10. Cr Laura Binks, Mayor, Strathbogie Shire Council

11. Cr Pierce Tyson, Mayor, Moonee Valley City Council

12. Cr Rosie Annear, Mayor, Mount Alexander Shire Council

13. Cr Sophie Price, Mayor, Indigo Shire Council

Chaired by the Minister, the 2023 LGMAP will focus on the theme of sector governance and accountability.

The panel met for the first time on 4 April 2023 when they discussed local government sector priorities including council culture and sector governance and accountability.

The second meeting of the panel took place on 11 July 2023.  At this meeting members continued discussions on governance and accountability, with a focus on councillor conduct.

The next meeting of the panel is scheduled for 12 October.

Further information regarding the responsibilities and operation of the panel are detailed in the 2023 Terms of Reference.

For more information about the LGMAP, please email LGV-LGMAP-Secretariat@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

The 2022 LGMAP term ended on 20 October 2022.

The Minister for Local Government appointed the 2022 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel (LGMAP) to provide advice on a broad range of topics relevant to the local government sector.

The appointees to the 2022 LGMAP were:

  • Rt Hon. Sally Capp, Lord Mayor, Melbourne City Council
  • Cr Anthony Tran, Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council
  • Cr Frances Eyre, Mayor, Nillumbik Shire Council
  • Cr Jane Addis, Mayor, Boroondara City Council
  • Cr Jasmine Nguyen, Mayor, Brimbank City Council
  • Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Mayor, Latrobe City Council
  • Cr Michael Whelan, Mayor, Bass Coast Shire Council
  • Cr Robyn Gulline, Mayor, Horsham Rural City Council
  • Cr Samantha Byrne, Mayor, Moonee Valley City Council
  • Cr Tony Driscoll, Mayor, Northern Grampians Shire Council

2022 LGMAP Photo

Back row (left to right): Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Rt Hon. Sally Capp, Cr Anthony Tran, Cr Robyn Gulline, Cr Samantha Byrne.  Front row (left to right): Cr Frances Eyre, Minister Horne, Cr Jasmine Nguyen. Not pictured: Cr Jane Addis, Cr Michael Whelan, Cr Tony Driscoll.

The role of LGMAP is to provide high level advice to the Minister on a range of legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy decisions which impact on local government.

Chaired by the Minister, this year’s panel will focus on COVID-19 recovery, gender equality, and strengthening relationships with First Nations Victorians.

The panel met for the first time on 27 April 2022 where they discussed council culture and councillor conduct and priorities for social and economic COVID recovery.

The second meeting took place on 15 June 2022 where the Panel discussed the implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Local Government Strategy and COVID-19’s impacts on mental health and wellbeing.

The third meeting took place on 27 July 2022 where the Panel discussed Victorian Government early education announcements, the work of the Gender Equality Advisory Committee and support for community members experiencing financial hardship.

The fourth meeting took place on 6 October 2022 where the Panel discussed the Commonwealth’s national priorities for the local government sector, removing barriers to work and the opportunities and benefits of mentoring.

Further information regarding the responsibilities and operation of the panel is detailed in the 2022 LGMAP Terms of Reference.