ROBINVALE-based Swan Hill Mayor Jade Benham has signed off on her final ordinary council meeting as a councillor at least until the November State Election.
Ms Benham notified the council in May that she had been pre-selected by The Nationals as a candidate for the Mildura electorate held by independent MP Ali Cupper, and this week requested an extended leave of absence from council.
Swan Hill councillors were this week told the latest time for a councillor candidate for a State or Federal election to request to begin leave of absence was when they formally nominate to the Electoral Commission — generally a couple of weeks before the election.
A prospective candidate can continue to operate as councillor but cannot use any council resources or platforms for electioneering or party political statements.
A prospective candidate is also not permitted to use council activities, including council meetings, events, network meetings and council-related external activities in relation to their candidacy.
Ms Benham advised the council that she wished to begin a leave of absence from July 20.
Councillors were also told the Municipal Association of Victoria has has clear set of guidelines for councillors standing for State or Federal elections.
The election is to be held on November 26 this year and Ms Benham requested an extended leave of absence from council for between July 20, 2022 to December 1, 2022 or the date of the poll declaration.
Ms Benham did not resign her position as mayor and an acting mayor is expected to fill that role during her extended leave of absence.
