Having your say at meetings
Addresses to Council meetings (Public Forum)
Members of the public may make an address to Councillors at the bi-monthly meeting of the Council on any local government related matter, excluding matters that are on the Council meeting agenda, or any application already lodged with the Council for a decision, or complaints about Councillors or staff.
The opportunity to address the Council for a maximum of three minutes will be provided just after the start of the meeting. Up to three people can make use of each public forum opportunity and all that is required of the speaker is a completed Public Forum registration form before the meeting starts.
Download the Public Forum registration form and guidelines (PDF).
Why we restrict some matters that can be addressed during the public forum
- Items on the Council meeting agenda
Most matters that are considered by the Council at its ordinary meetings have already been the subject of consideration by a committee of the Council. These committee meetings are structured to allow for less formal debate and consideration of submissions from all parties that have an interest in a matter. - Applications already lodged with Council for decision
Council has in place a decision making process, which has checks, balances and safeguards. This process has been in place for some considerable time and provides procedural fairness and an opportunity for all interested parties to have their say and to hear what others have to say. The committee meetings are the appropriate place to make submissions. - Criticism or complaints about Councillors or staff
The Code of Conduct and our Complaints Policy provides a mechanism for dealing with such matters. The code and procedures are designed to ensure that issues are thoroughly considered and measured against the high standards of behaviour we expect of Councillors and staff. Criticism and complaints made about individuals impinge upon their reputation. An unsubstantiated claim may damage reputations and the Council meeting is not a proper forum to make such claims or to allow individuals to respond to such issues.
Addresses to Committee meetings
Members of the public may address a Committee on any item listed on the business paper of the Committee. It is not necessary to register before the meeting if you wish to address the meeting.
When an item is called for consideration, the Chairperson will ask whether there is anyone present who wishes to address the meeting. At this stage, each person will be invited to come forward and make their presentation.
If a large number of people wish to address a Committee meeting on a particular item, it will be at the discretion of the Chairperson to determine, with a view to fairness of representation, how many people may address the meeting.
Each person will be allowed to speak for four minutes only. Members of the Committee may ask speakers questions or seek clarification of matters raised.
At the conclusion of the allotted four minutes, the speaker is to resume their seat and take no further part in the debate unless specifically called to do so by the Chairperson.
After any submission, the Committee may ask Council staff to comment on the points put forward.
After considering all submissions and staff comments, the Committee will debate the matter and either make a decision or a recommendation to Council.
Petitions
A petition is generally a request for Council to take some sort of action. Any resident or group of residents may petition Council to take action. See Petitions for details about what to include in a petition.
Enquiries
Further information may be obtained by contacting Council's Governance Department on 9391 7001.