Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said the local law regulates meeting procedures, outlines the process for election of Mayor and Mayor-elect and use of the common seal.
"The local law guides the operation of meetings and has been reviewed with a number of updates and additions made to add clarity and support ongoing good governance," Cr Weston said.
Some of the key changes include:
- Requiring questions for Question Time to be submitted by 12noon on the day of the meeting
- A provision for councillors to acknowledge significant community members or events
- Clarifying the role of the Chair, to enable the Chair to participate in the debate
- A clause stating it is the responsibility of councillors to exhibit good conduct in Council meetings
- A clause allowing the Chief Executive Officer to address the meeting if there is criticism of Council staff at the meeting or in the media
- Clarifying the process for election of Mayor and Mayor-elect
- Included a 'casting vote' clause that if the Chair exercises their casting vote to provide an explanation as to why they voted in a particular way
- Requiring a councillor state if they intend to abstain from voting and why, prior to the vote occurring
"The requirement for questions to be received by 12noon on the day of the meeting will allow staff to provide a more detailed response during Question Time," the Mayor added.
"This will ensure all questions are responded to at the meeting adding benefit to those in attendance, or watching live stream."
"Other changes reinforce good meeting practice, the expected behaviour of councillors during a meeting and a clearer process for electing the Mayor and Mayor-elect."
The community is invited to make submissions on the draft Local Law. Written submissions must be received by 5pm on Monday, 4 November. Council will consider public submissions at its meeting on Tuesday, 19 November where submitters can speak to their submission if they request to do so.
The draft Local Law is available for viewing on council's website or in hard copy at any customer service centre.
