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).

Council invites the community to review the proposed new Local Law, ask questions and make a submission. Please provide a submission if there are areas you think could be improved or clarified, if you have general comments or if you support the proposed new Local Law.

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 invites the community to make a submission.

A Community Impact Statement has been prepared, which includes information on the changes included in the proposed new Local Law to assist any community member who would like to make a submission.

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 here before making a submission.

To provide a submission:

  • Complete an online submission form

  • Submit a written submission addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Darebin P.O. Box 91 Preston 3072

All submissions about the proposed new Local Law will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989

A copy of the proposed new Local Law and Community Impact Statement can be obtained from Darebin Council Offices at 274 Gower Street, Preston during office hours.

Any person who makes a written submission can ask to be heard in support of their submission and may be represented by a person (who is specified in their submission) to act on their behalf.

If required, Council will consider submissions at its Hearing of Submissions Committee to be held at 5.30 pm on Monday 2 March 2020 in the Council Chamber of the Darebin Civic Centre 350 High Street, Preston.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm 19 February 2020.

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

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).

Council invites the community to review the proposed new Local Law, ask questions and make a submission. Please provide a submission if there are areas you think could be improved or clarified, if you have general comments or if you support the proposed new Local Law.

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 invites the community to make a submission.

A Community Impact Statement has been prepared, which includes information on the changes included in the proposed new Local Law to assist any community member who would like to make a submission.

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 here before making a submission.

To provide a submission:

  • Complete an online submission form

  • Submit a written submission addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Darebin P.O. Box 91 Preston 3072

All submissions about the proposed new Local Law will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989

A copy of the proposed new Local Law and Community Impact Statement can be obtained from Darebin Council Offices at 274 Gower Street, Preston during office hours.

Any person who makes a written submission can ask to be heard in support of their submission and may be represented by a person (who is specified in their submission) to act on their behalf.

If required, Council will consider submissions at its Hearing of Submissions Committee to be held at 5.30 pm on Monday 2 March 2020 in the Council Chamber of the Darebin Civic Centre 350 High Street, Preston.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm 19 February 2020.

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



Ask your questions here

Why don't you ask a question?