In Victoria, councillors standing as candidates in state or federal elections must take a leave of absence from council duties once the Governor of Victoria issues election writs and they are officially nominated – typically 25 days before the election.
But Cr Armstrong said she intended to begin her leave earlier than required.
“In declaring my candidacy for Ripon, I undertake that I will in due course take a leave of absence from council,” she said.
“I’d like to draw the distinction between being endorsed for candidacy and nomination as a candidate, because there is often misunderstanding around this difference.
“Candidates can be endorsed on entirely different timelines in the months and weeks leading up to an election, and there’s variance across political parties in how this process is undertaken – and indeed, there is variance across electorates. But there is a uniform timeline in regard to the state election in Victoria, and that is that the Governor of Victoria will issue election writs around 25 days before the fixed election day of November 28.
“I intend to take a leave of absence from council prior to those writs being issued and that date of nomination.
“At this point in time I do not know the date at which I will commence my leave of absence from council, but up until that time, I wish to assure council and our community that I will maintain my dual roles separately.”
Cr Armstrong said she informed council chief executive Tim Harrison, along with her fellow councillors, in writing as soon as she became aware she had been preselected as the Nationals’ Ripon candidate.
She said she would carry out her council duties with impartiality and accountability.
“I will act with integrity and avoid potential conflicts of interest, and not misuse my position – nor will I misuse council resources,” she said.
“As I have pledged, I will continue to faithfully and impartially carry out and exercise the functions, powers, authorities and discretions invested in me under the Local Government Act 2020 and any other act to the best of my skill and judgement.”
At the same meeting, council voted to adopt a new Councillor Candidature Policy – State or Federal Elections.
Chief operating officer Chandra Willmott said council officers developed the document to comply with Municipal Association of Victoria protocol and that it would provide clear guidelines for councillors standing as candidates in state or federal elections.
“The purpose of this policy is to support good governance, transparency and community confidence by clarifying expectations, managing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring continuity of council operations,” she said.
“Since the change in the Local Government Act 2020 we haven’t reviewed this policy and we feel it’s time to do so prior to any councillor seeking nomination or election to state or federal parliament.”
Cr Armstrong declared a conflict of interest and excused herself from a vote on the policy, with the remaining six councillors voting unanimously to adopt it.
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