Urgent Business tabled at the Community Focus Council Meeting of Council on 9 July 2019 which was held at the Indented Head Community Hall, opposite 326 The Esplanade, Indented Head.
Note: Introduction of Urgent Business requires two-thirds majority of Councillors present.
Councillor Grzybek proposes to raise the following item as Urgent Business:
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Aitken seconded -
That Council considers as Urgent Business a motion concerning the proposed Local Government Bill 2019.
Carried.
Over a four-year consultation period, the Local Government Bill 2018 (2018 Bill) was developed by the Victorian State Government. On 27 February 2018, Council endorsed the Greater Geelong City Council submission in response to the 2018 Bill Exposure Draft (Attachment 1).
The 2018 Bill lapsed in the Legislative Council last year whilst awaiting passage when the Parliament was dissolved.
On 17 June 2019, the Victorian Government announced six proposed reforms in addition to the 2018 Bill, allowing 30 days for Councils to gather feedback and provide their submission. The proposed reforms, whilst outlined in a discussion paper from the Victorian Government Local Government Bill – A Reform Proposal (Attachment 2), are not supported by an exposure draft of the Bill.
The timeframe to provide a submission in relation to the proposed reforms, and the lack of detail about how the proposed reforms would operate, does not provide the Council, the community or the sector the opportunity to provide considered feedback about the reforms to the Victorian Government. It would be appropriate for the Victorian Government to proceed with the 2018 Bill and allow adequate time for consideration of and consultation on the proposed reforms with a view to introducing them at a later date.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Councillor Aitken seconded -
That Council:
Endorse the 2018 Local Government Bill for adoption in 2019; and
Not support the introduction of the Local Government Bill 2019 and request the Minister for Local Government allow for appropriate consultation with the Local Government Sector and the community before introducing further reforms.
Carried.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 9:52pm on Tuesday 9 July 2019.
Signed: _________________________________________
Councillor Bruce Harwood (Mayor)
Date of Confirmation: _____________________________
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