New rules for council meetings

LOCAL councils will be banned from holding private briefings under new rules governing how meetings are run, coming into effect on January 1.

The reforms also require councils to give reasons when making planning decisions that go against staff recommendations, a change recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said the chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision-making take place in full view of the public.

“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government,” he said.

Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said she supported the intent of the reforms but opposed some elements.

“Whatever we can do to restore trust in local government is a good thing, but what I don’t agree with, and 90 per cent of councils did not support, is the removal of our ability to have briefing sessions on agenda items,” she said.

“The briefings are an opportunity to have the report explained to us, to be able to ask questions, and not to hold these will mean that this must occur at the meetings and will mean we may be making decisions with a lower understanding of the issues.”

Cr Cherry also labelled the requirement for councillors to stand when the mayor enters the chamber as ridiculous.

“I know the minister has promoted this to enhance respect in the chamber, but I would much rather he got serious about upholding code of conduct claims where councillors have been rude, disrespectful and defamatory in the chamber or social media, than making them stand up when I walk in the room,” she said.