The future just isn’t what it used to be! Local Government Elections 2005

Features of Local Government Now  29 councils - one system but separate entities  Established by State Parliament  Functions authorised by legislation  Extensive individuality  Commonwealth provides funds – Financial Assistance Grants (FAGS) & road grants  delivers programs - environment, employment, infrastructure, telecommunications

The Future of Local Government?  A place where leadership looks like the community in terms of age, gender and ethnicity  A place where the 3 R’s (roads rates and rubbish) are replaced by the 3 C’s (care, community and citizenship)

Why are you Here?  Optimistic Scenarios: Want to contribute to vibrant, multicultural, diverse community that enhances prosperity and quality of life Want to extend democracy and strengthen the voice of the community Want to have fantastically better Local Government that achieves desirable ends and avoids dangers

What Communities Need from their Council Leaders  Clear vision for area  Constantly promoting qualities of area  Winning resources for area  Developing partnerships  Addressing complex social issues  Maintaining support and cohesion within community

What it takes to Lead  Leadership is more than listening  Sometimes we need to not listen  We have to act  We require judgement  Real leadership is the power to influence events not having power over events

Legislative Framework  Local Government Act 1993  Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993  Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal Act 1993  State Policies and Projects Act 1993  Many Other Pieces of Legislation  Common Law and Equity

Role of Council  Define/monitor policies/strategic direction  Define policies and procedures  Identify and manage risk  Establish controls and accountability  Drive performance  Appoint CEO & review performance/remuneration  Succession planning  Act immediately on problems

Policy and Planning  Strategic vision for municipal area  Strategic Plan - 5 years rolling plan  Annual Operating Plan  Estimates - Budget  Action plans - works programs

Mayor  Functions of mayor to act as the leader of the municipal area; to act as chairperson of the council; and to act as the principle spokesperson of the council; and to oversee the councillors in the performance of their functions and in the exercise of their powers

Deputy Mayor  The Deputy Mayor is to act in the position of Mayor if- the Mayor is absent; and the Mayor or the council, by notice in writing, appoints the deputy mayor to act in the position.  The Mayor, by notice in writing may delegate any power or function of the mayor to the Deputy Mayor for a specified period.

General Manager  General Manager is the only officer of the council appointed by the councillors manages the administration and ensures the Council’s policies and programs are carried out

Role of the Councillors  To represent and promote the interests of the community  To facilitate communication between the council and the community  To review the performance of the council  Act in the best interest of the community  Ensure that resources and access to services and facilities are provided equitable

Council Meetings  Attend council meetings and council committee meetings- ordinary and special council meetings standing committees of council  Many councils conduct workshops and information sessions  Minister may remove a councillor who has missed three consecutive ordinary council meetings

Meeting Procedures  No privilege in Council proceedings  Need to keep confidentiality  Right to access to information  Duty not to biased  Pecuniary interest

Elections General  Mayor and Deputy Mayor popularly elected  Councillors elected for 4 year terms – half vacating every two years  Elected by voters across whole council area  Recounts and by-elections

2005 Local Government Elections  Eligibility  Term of Office  How to Nominate  Withdrawal of Nomination  Candidate Statements  Electoral Advertising  Electoral Advertising Return  Postal Voting System  Scrutiny Process

Nominations Close (noon) 2005 Local Government Elections—Timetable September October S UNDAY F RIDAY S ATURDAY T HURSDAY W EDNESDAY M ONDAY T UESDAY 10 Notice of Election 15 Roll Close 6 pm 12 Nominations Open Closing Day 10 am