Changes to Governance Rules

Published on 31 January 2024

Glenelg Shire Council has listened to substantial public feedback in adopting its new Governance Rules.

The Governance Rules guide the conduct of any Council meetings, from the monthly public meeting to statutory ones such as the election of Mayor and includes those of delegated committees and briefings as well.

Council adopted a new set of rules at the January 2024 meeting, which will see several changes to the existing rules.

However, the public consultation period saw some proposed changes reversed, largely relating to community question time at the monthly meetings, which was the main focus of the 29 submissions received.

Along with the 29 submissions, the draft Governance Rules were downloaded 105 times among 371 visits to the Your Say Glenelg platform.

Included among the changes was the number of questions that can be asked by each member of the public – this will remain at three, not two as originally proposed.

Questions will now also be read out by the Mayor, not the Chief Executive Officer as was proposed.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said Council listened to the community on the proposed changes to the Governance Rules.

“We extended the time of the consultation period to take into account the Christmas/New Year break and this is reflected in the fact that this is one of the highest rates of participation we have had on Your Say Glenelg for any consultation,” she said.

“I think that proves it was worth the effort.

“It’s also a reminder that you can contact Council at any time to ask questions, not just at monthly meetings, and that includes Councillors directly. Contact details are on Council’s website.”

Changes were proposed to the Rules to improve governance and efficiency at Council meetings and briefings.

The amendments seek to ensure that the focus is on the business items on the Council agenda which are the purpose of the Council meeting.

Other changes include:

• A 100-word limit on questions which must be provided in written form one business day prior to the Council meeting to enable appropriate researched responses.

• Council agendas will be released at least 48 hours before the monthly meeting (earlier than previously) to allow residents time to study the document before submitting questions.

• Further definition on governance obligations at Councillor briefing sessions.

• Refining requests for Councillors to attend Council meetings virtually.

• Requiring additional Councillors to support any notice of rescission.

• Clarification around the voting process for Mayoral elections.

• Clarification around Conflict of Interest obligations.