Darebin Governance Local Law Review 2020

The Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), requires councils to make a local law which governs the conduct of meetings of Council and Special Committees.

The current Local Law, which was made in 2017, has been reviewed and updated to incorporate changes in legislation, to introduce improved processes and to reflect contemporary governance practices.

At its meeting on 16 December 2019, Council resolved to advertise its intention to make the new Governance Local Law (proposed new Local Law), which will be known as the "Meeting Governance Rules (Meeting Procedures and Common Seal) Local Law (No.1 of 2020)"and which will supersede the current Local Law (No.1 of 2017).

What’s happened so far?

The current Governance Local Law has been reviewed with feedback received from internal and external engagement, including input from staff, community input from ‘drop-in sessions’ held during the early phases of the review and multiple Councillor Briefings across the review time frame.

The purpose of the proposed new Local Law is to:

• regulate proceedings at Council meetings, Special Committee meetings and other meetings conducted by or on behalf of Council where Council has resolved that the provisions of the Local Law are to apply
• regulate the proceedings for the election of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor (if any)
• regulate the use of the common seal
• make provision for related administrative procedures
• provide for the peace, order and good government of the municipality.

The proposed new Local Law is being made under section 111(1) of the Act and will operate throughout the municipality.

What’s happening next?

Council invited the community to make a submission from January to February. Council is now considering the submissions that have been received. All submissions about the proposed new Local Law will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989

A further report will be presented to the Council Meeting on the 16 March 2020 recommending that the Local Law be adopted.

You can still view the proposed new Local Law and the Community Impact Statement.

Click on the image below to view the proposed new Local Law "Meeting Governance Rules (Meeting Procedures and Common Seal) Local Law (No.1 of 2020)" or view the Community Impact Statement.

You can also ask any questions you may have regarding the proposed new Local Law in the box below.