Dandenong Candidate Forum Mandate to Shape Local Discussions on Transport and Training Services

The Dandenong council adopted a Candidate Spotlight Policy this month that requires every nominee for local office to attend three community forums before the October election. The rule applies to all candidates and focuses on public transport routes and job training centers that serve daily commuters in the area.

Timing of the rule

Council records show the policy was approved after the 2025-26 budget process identified gaps in how residents receive details on service funding. The change takes effect immediately for the current nomination period and does not alter existing voting eligibility or ballot access rules.

Under the policy, forums must cover the council's allocation for the Dandenong Bus Interchange upgrades and the Regional Skills Centre operating costs. Residents who rely on these services for work travel or retraining can hear candidate responses directly rather than through campaign materials alone.

Resident access points

One forum will be held at the Dandenong Market Hall and another at the Springvale Community Centre, with a third at the Noble Park Library branch. Each session is scheduled for two hours and will include time for questions on service wait times and program enrollment numbers.

Local advocates note that the requirement directs attention to the council's published figures on transport contract renewals and training course completion rates. Policy analysts say the structure limits candidate statements to topics listed in the meeting agendas released two weeks in advance.

The government says the policy will produce written summaries of each forum that will be posted on the council website within five business days. The next step involves the electoral office sending confirmation letters to all declared candidates by the end of July.