Thursday, 29 August 2024

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:45): (1090) My question is to the Minister for Local Government, and I refer the minister to a recent change to Casey council’s governance rules. Given that the rules could be updated in October when newly elected councillors will commence their new term, why was the requirement for 4 pm council meeting times added to the governance rules just last month? Cardinia shire, City of Monash, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Frankston, City of Kingston and City of Knox each hold their monthly council meetings at 7 pm. A petition of about 250 signatures has been collected to support the change to 7 pm to allow greater community participation. Given that these changes are required to be made in consultation with the community and given the minister’s previous advice that newly elected councillors can determine the need for changes to governance rules, could this update have waited until October? When will the councillors elected to Casey be giving their local people the voice that they need for council meetings at a time that allows them to participate?