News Alert |

The City of Ballarat will review its current Meeting Procedure Local Law with the aim of increasing community participation in council meetings through written public questions. 

A proposed new Meeting Procedure Local Law, which was debated at the October 3 Ordinary Council Meeting, would ensure better Local Government Act compliance, and provide more clarity around statutory meetings, swearing in of councillors, election of temporary chairs, procedural motions, and petitions and joint letters. 

It will also increase transparency around urgent business, notices of motion, alterations of motions and points or order, public question time and representations. 

The new law has been developed through external analysis, formal benchmarking of similar sized councils and document development and review, along with internal workshops with officers and councillors. 

It has been reviewed by Maddocks Lawyers and a Community Impact Statement prepared as well. 

The proposed law will also ensure there is a greater focus on council meetings being decision making forums. 

If passed by the council, the draft Meeting Procedure Local Law will be on exhibition, together with the Community Impact Statement, for 28 days.