The Victorian Government has commissioned a wide-ranging review into what influences culture in Victorian councils.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced the start of the Local Government Culture Project.

The Project will be delivered by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in partnership with two eminent academics: Professor Graham Sansom, Adjunct Professor at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and Professor Anona Armstrong AM, Emeritus Professor at the Victoria University College of Law and Justice.

The aim of the review is to identify the history and influences on culture in local government and provide a platform for the sector to identify and take ownership of a positive and inclusive culture that will improve governance and build public trust.

The review will aim to make local government a safer space for women and encourage more women to nominate for election as the Government aims to reach gender parity in local councils by 2025.

As a former chief executive of the Australian Local Government Association and a former director of the UTS Centre for Local Government, Professor Sansom brings a wealth of local government sector knowledge.

Professor Armstrong has a PhD in public policy and is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Victorian Council of the Institute of Public Administration Australia. Her research interests cover governance, evaluation and ethics.

Drawing on their experience and academic expertise, the pair will consult with key stakeholders including the Gender Equality Advisory Committee established by the Government earlier this year and review academic research before developing a discussion paper.

Broader engagement with the local government sector will follow in early 2022, with key themes and advice to be provided to the Minister for Local Government for consideration.