In-confidence requirements boost confidential meetings in 2017–18

Figures obtained from the “Know Your Council” website indicate that the proportion of confidential decisions made by the Borough of Queenscliffe Council during the 2017–18 financial year compares favourably with the proportion of confidential decisions made by the City of Greater Geelong (12.25%), Colac Otway Shire (17.86%), and Surf Coast Shire (20.70%) Councils during the same period.

Council’s 2017–18 Annual Report does note an increase in the proportion of Council decisions made at meetings closed to the public, from 6.51% during the 2016–17 financial year to 11.63% during the 2017–18 financial year.

Council is required to make confidential decisions from time to time. The in-confidence decisions that Council makes are related to the assessment of awards, such as the annual Australia Day awards; grant information, where other levels of government require details to remain confidential until a formal announcement is made; legal advice; and the consideration of tenders and contracts where commercial-in-confidence processes apply.

Additionally, when a confidential decision is made by Council, a further confidential meeting is required to confirm minutes.

The Borough of Queenscliffe 2017–18 Annual Report is available to read online at Council’s website, www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au. Hard copies are also available at Council’s offices at 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff and at the Queenscliff Library at 55 Hesse Street, Queenscliff.