Governance Rules review for new Council

Individual speakers at Council meetings may no longer be permitted under proposed Governance Rules currently out for consultation. Instead of speaking at a Council meeting about an agenda item, community members would continue to provide written statements for the consideration of Councillors.

The opportunity to speak at Council meetings is a long-held tradition in Bayside, however, we’ve seen a 155% increase in community engagement with Council meetings since written statements were introduced in March 2020 due to COVID restrictions. This is likely because it’s easier to provide comprehensive information in writing than being required to attend and speak at a meeting. A written statement format may also encourage submissions from people who aren’t comfortable speaking in a public setting.

Other benefits considered when proposing a permanent switch from verbal to written statements include providing more time for Councillors to consider submissions before making decisions; keeping meetings to a reasonable duration; and improving transparency by publishing statement content instead of speaker names only in agendas.

When adopting Governance Rules in August 2020, Council resolved to review the rules within 12 months of a local government election. Your feedback on the proposed Governance Rules will help our new Council refine and enhance the way their meetings are conducted.

Click here to provide your feedback via Council’s Have Your Say website before consultation closes on 19 May 2021. 

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