1. Candidate Information Seminar 1 Presented by:Meredith Nunan Date:25 August 2014 Venue:Council Chambers Candidate Information Seminar 2014 Council Elections

2. Candidate Information Seminar 2 The role and functions of a Council Local Government Act 1999 s6, s7 & s8 being a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker in the interests of its community participating in public policy development and planning activities with the other spheres of Government providing and co-ordinating services and facilities that benefit its area, ratepayers, residents and visitors

3. Candidate Information Seminar 3 developing its community and resources in a socially just and sustainable manner providing for the welfare, well-being and interests of individual and groups within its community representing the interests of its community to the wider community and other levels of Government The role and functions of a Council Local Government Act 1999 s6, s7 & s8

4. Candidate Information Seminar 4 The role and functions of a Council Local Government Act 1999 s6, s7 & s8 planning at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of its area managing, developing, protecting and conserving the environment regulating local activities such as building, keeping animals, parking, maintaining public health etc. Some of these responsibilities include a law enforcement role.

5. Candidate Information Seminar 5 The role of each sphere

6. Candidate Information Seminar 6 Local Independence Interdependence Dependence StateFederal Relationship to other spheres of Government Councils work within the following inter-relationship with other spheres of government

7. Candidate Information Seminar 7 Local Government Relationship with State & Federal Governments 68 Councils in South Australia Regional Bodies Local Government Association of SA Australian Local Government Association Federal Government State Government

8. Candidate Information Seminar 8 In practice, what Councils do Leadership Representation of the community Community planning & co-ordination Community participation Decision making Service provision Regulation Policy and planning with State and Federal Governments Governance

9. Candidate Information Seminar 9 Means of achieving this Revenue raising Resources – Community Assets Employment of staff Contracting Community leadership Volunteer programs Community development Capital Equipment Information

10. Candidate Information Seminar 10 Option for Wards Council areas may be divided into wards wards are electoral divisions for election of Council members if Council area is divided into wards, the number of people represented by an Elected Member (the ward quota) must not vary by more than 10% from other wards

11. Candidate Information Seminar 11 City of Mitcham there are 6 wards with a total of 13 councillors (not including the Mayor 4 plains wards – Babbage, Boorman, Gault and Overton 2 hills wards – Craigburn and The Park two councillors represent each ward, with the exception of Craigburn Ward which has 3

12. Candidate Information Seminar 12 Demographics Total population:65,720 Total electors:47,324 Quota of electors per councillor: 3,380

13. Candidate Information Seminar 13

14. Candidate Information Seminar 14 Role of the Principal Member presides at meetings of the Council carries out civic and ceremonial duties provides advice, if required, to the CEO between Council meetings regarding a decision of the Council acts as the principal spokesperson of the Council Deputy Mayor/Chairperson (if elected by the Council) undertakes the role in absence of Principal Member can be appointed as an ex officio member of any Council committee

15. Candidate Information Seminar 15 Role of an Elected Member Local Government Act 1999 – s69 a member of the governing body – where decisions are made by Council as a whole represents the interests of all residents and ratepayers in the area – not just one ward provides community leadership and guidance facilitates communication between the community and the Council These duties are also undertaken by the Mayor or Chairperson

16. Candidate Information Seminar 16 Role of a Council Member - Continued participates in Council debates, policy making and planning for the area reviews Council’s strategic and financial plan to ensure they are appropriate and effective reviews the Council's resource allocation, expenditure and activities reviews the effectiveness of its service delivery membership of Council Committees and/or Council Development Assessment Panel

17. Candidate Information Seminar 17 Development Assessment Panels Council is required to establish a Council Development Assessment Panel to: assess and determine some development applications operate and make decisions solely under the Development Act, not Local Government Act The operation of DAP is quite distinct from other Council functions - it is not a Council committee. Council is a ‘relevant authority’ under Development Act 1993

18. Candidate Information Seminar 18 Mitcham DAP consists of: 3 Elected Members 4 Independent Members DAP currently meets on the 1 st Thursday of the month at 6.30 pm

19. Candidate Information Seminar 19 Other committees of Council Auditmeets 6 times a yearThursday night Heritagemeets quarterlyMonday night Cultural Villagemeets at least quarterlyMonday night Community Development Grants meets twice a year Strategic Planning & Development Policy meets as required

20. Candidate Information Seminar 20 Council briefings and workshops Elected Members are provided with a range of information and skills through Council briefings, specialised information sessions and workshops these are usually held on Tuesday nights an Elected Member can expect to be involved in Council business on most Tuesday nights

21. Candidate Information Seminar 21 Role of the CEO and Staff Local Government Act 1999 - s99 assist Council Members in their policy and decision making process provide advice and guidance of a professional, technical or social nature action the business of Council on behalf of the elected body CEO is responsible for staff matters and ensuring implementation of Council’s plans and policies.

22. Candidate Information Seminar 22 Role of the CEO and Staff - continued provide for the good management of Council’s resources and ensure services are effective operate within the policies of Council the CEO has specific responsibility for staff management on some issues relevant to the Senior Executive Officer, the CEO is required to consult with Council (Recruitment and selection)

23. Candidate Information Seminar 23 Respective Roles LeadershipManagement Vision and strategy Representing community interests Communicating and motivating Delegating Reviewing Advising Administering/implementing Council decisions Plans and budgets Service delivery Regulatory role

24. Candidate Information Seminar 24 Elected Members have no legal role independent of the Council. It is the ‘body’ corporate that makes the decisions of Council

25. Candidate Information Seminar 25 What it takes to be an effective Elected Member energy dedication genuine concern for the wellbeing of the community ability to communicate courage to try desire to make things happen understanding of the job willingness to learn new ways of doing things

26. Candidate Information Seminar 26 What it takes to be an effective Elected Member - continued keep in touch with the community be the community voice prepare for meetings attend meetings commitment to the role of Elected Member

27. Candidate Information Seminar 27 Time commitment An Elected Member should be prepared to: attend all Council meetings prepare for meetings by reading the agendas seek clarification on matters which are unclear from the CEO/Directors attend workshops and briefings undergo training attend to constituent requests and enquiries attend civic functions

28. Candidate Information Seminar 28 How much prior knowledge is expected of an Elected Member everyone comes with their own skills and experience no specialist knowledge is assumed But be prepared to learn a great deal be prepared to absorb a lot of information be prepared to attend training sessions It is anticipated that training might become mandatory

29. Candidate Information Seminar 29 Proposed Induction Program Friday 14 November - 5.30 – 7.30pm Saturday 15 November – all day Tuesday 18 November – 6.30 – 8.30 Tuesday 25 November – 5.30pm onwards Saturday 29 November – 9.00am – 5.00pm Setting the scene Roles and responsibilities, legal obligations, meeting procedures + bus tour Overview of decision making structure Orientation, Oath of Office and first Council Meeting Integrated planning

30. Candidate Information Seminar 30 Realistic expectations not all Members will share your passion for a particular cause or issue decisions of Council are democratically made – by majority vote decisions of Council must be respected even if they do not reflect your opinion/position

31. Candidate Information Seminar 31 Realistic expectations Remember Your commitment to Council must be balanced with your personal, family and work needs Look after your health

32. Candidate Information Seminar 32 Allowances and Expenses Elected Members are entitled to an annual allowance and reimbursement of expenses levels of allowances are determined by the independent Remuneration Tribunal the Remuneration Tribunal determination (31 July 2014) provides for allowances: - Between $5,700 pa and $21,500 pa for Council Members (4x for Principle Members), depending on the Group in which the Council sits -Annual CPI adjustment. * A copy of the Remuneration Tribunal determination is available at http://www.remtribunal.sa.gov.au/pdf/DT06_2010.pdf http://www.remtribunal.sa.gov.au/pdf/DT06_2010.pdf

33. Candidate Information Seminar 33 Allowances for year 1 of next Council term Councillors$19,000 Principal Member$76,000 Deputy Mayor / $23,750 Presiding member of a prescribed committee

34. Candidate Information Seminar 34 Legal Issues Elected Members are Public Officers under ICAC Code of Conduct (s63 of the Act) Register of Interests (s64-72 of the Act) Conflict of Interest (s73-74 of the Act) Use of confidential information (s62 of the Act) Protection of Members – civil liability (s39 of the Act)

35. Candidate Information Seminar 35 Periodic Elections

36. Candidate Information Seminar 36 Election Timetable roll close Friday 8 August 2014 nominations period Tuesday 2 September – noon, Tuesday 16 September 2014 mail-out of voting material Monday 20 - Friday 24 October 2014 close of voting Friday 5pm 7 November 2014 scrutiny and count from 9am Saturday 8 November 2014

37. Candidate Information Seminar 37 Who can nominate? Australian citizen or anyone on council between 5 May 1997 and 1 January 2000 and are an elector for the area or designated person of a body corporate or group named on council voters roll or person or designated person of body corporate or group whose name omitted from roll in error

38. Candidate Information Seminar 38 Who cannot nominate? a member of an Australian Parliament a member of council staff an undischarged bankrupt or person benefiting from insolvent debtor legislation a person sentenced to imprisonment and is likely to serve the sentence or remainder of the sentence Page 10 of the Candidate Handbook

39. Candidate Information Seminar 39 Nominations close 12 noon 16 September 2014 3 different nomination forms – LG 3 for an elector in their own right – LG 4 for the designated person of a body corporate – LG 5 for the designated person of a group

40. Candidate Information Seminar 40 Confirmation of nomination allow time to lodge the nomination if the nomination is unsatisfactory at the close of nominations, it will be invalid opportunities for corrections and amendments can be given only until nominations close

41. Candidate Information Seminar 41 Candidate Profile compulsory, must lodge at same time as nomination form must be signed and dated 150 words maximum include contact details for the candidate – either a street address (not a post office box unless accompanied with), an email address or a phone number

42. Candidate Information Seminar 42 Profiles ( continued ) contain the statement – I take responsibility for the content of the profile cannot be inaccurate or misleading lodge written consent if reference to another candidate no dot points, underlining, capitals, different fonts

43. Candidate Information Seminar 43 Photograhps optional – black and white or colour head and shoulders only taken in last 12 months endorsed by candidate on the back photos in electronic format will not be accepted Page 15 of the Candidate Handbook

44. Candidate Information Seminar 44 Withdrawing of nominations To withdraw you must complete the appropriate form prior to the close of nominations

45. Candidate Information Seminar 45 Acceptance of nominations Upon acceptance of nominations by the Electoral Commission, the front page of the nomination is displayed in the Council offices for the during of the election period.

46. Candidate Information Seminar 46 Following close of nominations draw for position of names on ballot paper – 4pm on the day nomination close letter to candidates advising of results of draw – confirmation of dates for mail-out and scrutiny and count – legislative framework relating to election material, illegal practices and campaign returns – scrutineer authority forms and campaign donations return Page 17 of the Candidate Handbook

47. Candidate Information Seminar 47 No contest If there are the same number of positions as candidates, those nominating will automatically be elected to the position.

48. Candidate Information Seminar 48 Publication of Candidate Statements LGA has enabled candidates to publish a hyperlink to an external webpage or site about yourself and your candidacy Information relating to this will be included in nomination kit Candidates have 7 days to submit their website address –12 noon, Tuesday 23 September Candidate Statement – Instruction to candidates contained within Nomination Kit

49. Candidate Information Seminar 49 Assistance with campaigning Council can assist with: information on the council area and activities, services, issues election signage provisions voters roll (not electronic) Page 18 of the Candidate Handbook

50. Candidate Information Seminar 50 Electoral Material must contain name, address of: – person authorising material – printer/producer cannot be inaccurate/misleading consider mail-out of voting packs 20 October to 24 October, when campaigning candidate’s responsibility to ensure material complies with law Page 18 of the Candidate Handbook

51. Candidate Information Seminar 51 Campaign signs can only be displayed in the 4 weeks before the close of voting - that is from 10 October must be taken down within 48 hours of the close of voting on 7 November refer to Council’s Elections Sign Policy

52. Candidate Information Seminar 52 Points to consider when campaigning Consider: the issues you will promote during the campaign how best to promote yourself e.g. doorknocking, flyers, local media etc. your campaign strategy Come to a Council meeting

53. Candidate Information Seminar 53 Illegal Practices bribery, intimidation, violence candidate/scrutineer assisting a person to vote or obtain voting papers disclosing how another person has voted dishonestly influencing/trying to influence the result of an election or poll exercising a vote to which you are not entitled opening an envelope containing a vote (unless you are an electoral official).

54. Candidate Information Seminar 54 Complaints from candidates must be in writing and addressed to the returning officer provide copies of alleged offending material, details of locations where notices are fixed will be recorded as received and notification of the receipt of complaint will be issued complaints will be examined during the election period handled according to complaints protocol

55. Candidate Information Seminar 55 Mail out of voting packs voting packs mail-out Monday 20 October to Friday 24 October containing: ober containing: – postal voting guide – ballot paper/s – candidate profile brochure – ballot paper envelope containing a declaration flap for elector to sign – reply paid envelope Page 22 of the Candidate Handbook

56. Candidate Information Seminar 56 Return of voting material close of voting – 5pm, Friday 7 November 2014 returned material is processed daily ballot paper envelope must be signed material delivered personally to the council will be stored in ballot boxes

57. Candidate Information Seminar 57 Scrutineers Candidates cannot observe election proceedings, must authorise a scrutineer by completing a scrutineer form (4 copies will be forwarded after close of nominations) Scrutineers can observe the processing of returned voting material and the scrutiny and count of ballot papers Scrutineers cannot assist an elector, obtain voting material for another person or touch ballot papers Page 23 of the Candidate Handbook

58. Candidate Information Seminar 58 Scrutineers ( continued ) no more than 2 scrutineers per candidate at the same time address queries to officer in charge and observe scrutineering protocol illegal offences apply to both candidates and scrutineers no more than 2 scrutineers per candidate at tame time address queries to officer in charge, observe scrutineering protocol illegal offences apply to both candidates AND scrutineers.

59. Candidate Information Seminar 59 Scrutiny voting closes 5pm Friday 7 November 2014 scrutiny commences at 9am Saturday 8 November 2014 candidates will be advised of the location and time declaration flap removed before envelope opened to ensure vote secrecy process - remove declaration flaps from ballot paper envelopes and extract ballot papers before commencing count Page 25 of the Candidate Handbook

60. Candidate Information Seminar 60 Counts Saturday 8 November 2014 commence with mayoral count, then continue with councillor counts 9am Sunday 9 November 2014 resume counting to finalise any incomplete counts all counts to 1 st preferences will be conducted locally complex counts will be transferred to a central processing centre (CPC)

61. Candidate Information Seminar 61 Voting preferential vote – must mark preferences on the ballot paper for at least the number of candidates to be elected e.g. Mayoral election, must mark at least 1 preference on the ballot paper 3 vacancies, must mark 1,2 and 3 Page 25 of the Candidate Handbook

62. Candidate Information Seminar 62 Vote counting votes are counted using the proportional representation (PR) system in most instances a candidate must obtain a quota of votes to be elected

63. Candidate Information Seminar 63 Quota from: 1 st preference votes, or combination of 1 st preference votes and votes transferred from either elected or excluded candidate/s final vacancy, 2 candidates remaining in count, neither with a quota – candidate with the largest number of votes is elected

64. Candidate Information Seminar 64 Explanation of the voting system Refer – Candidate Handbook page 29 Visit – www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/flash.htmwww.ecsa.sa.gov.au/flash.htm How your vote counts Read – Proportional Representation (PR) Count Processes and Examples on the ECSA website

65. Candidate Information Seminar 65 Conclusion of election Provisional declaration following conclusion of each election 72 hours for request for a recount Results? Visit www.lga.sa.gov.au/electionresults ECSA will forward a letter to each candidate to advise of election results

66. Candidate Information Seminar 66 Campaign donations all candidates must declare campaign donations within 30 days after the election  win or lose  whether or not you receive donations That is, a nil return is required

67. Candidate Information Seminar 67 Further queries and questions Queries after this meeting? Check the Candidate Handbook Look at the Profile and Photograph requirements brochure Read the legislative framework relating to illegal practices sent after nominations close Contact the ECSA Deputy Returning Officer

68. Candidate Information Seminar 68 Resources available to Candidates Local Government Association of SA Ph: 8224 2000 Email: lgasa@lga.sa.gov.au lgasa@lga.sa.gov.au Website: www.lga.sa.gov.au www.lga.sa.gov.au On the job training and support for Elected Members Electoral Commission of SA Ph: 7424 7400 Email: ECSAComments@sa.gov.au ECSAComments@sa.gov.au Website: www.ecsa.sa.gov.au www.ecsa.sa.gov.au