The PURPOSE and OBJECTS of Local Government are defined by the Local Government Act 1995 :
1.3. Content and intent
(1) This Act provides for a system of local government by;
(a) providing for the constitution of elected
local governments in the State; and
(b) describing the functions of local
governments; and
(c) providing for the conduct of elections
and other polls; and
(d) providing a framework for the administration
and financial management of local governments and for the scrutiny of their
affairs.
(2)
This Act is intended to result in;
(a) better decision-making by local
governments; and
(b) greater community participation in the
decisions and affairs of local governments; and
(c) greater accountability of local governments to
their communities; and
(d) more efficient and effective local
government.
(3) In carrying
out its functions a local government is to use its best endeavours to meet the
needs of current and future generations through an integration of environmental
protection, social advancement and economic prosperity."
In giving effect to those objects, the City of Armadale Local Government Code of Conduct declares in its introductory statement:
"This Code of Conduct provides Councillors, Committee Members and staff of the City of Armadale with consistent guidelines for an acceptable standard of professional conduct.
The Code addresses in a concise manner the broader issue of ethical responsibility and encourages greater local government transparency and accountability.
This Code is complementary to the principles adopted in the Local Government Act 1995 and regulations which incorporates four fundamental aims to result in :-
(a)
better decision-making by the City of Armadale;
(b) greater community participation in the decisions
and affairs of the City;
(c) greater accountability of the City to its
community; and
(d) more efficient and effective local government."
The City's Code of Conductis supported by its Freedom of Information Statement
That statement pledges availability of information in the following terms:
3.3 Our Values
Honesty- We are honest, consistent, open and transparent in our dealings with our stakeholders and are committed to building mutual trust and respect.
Note: Not responding to reasonable and fair questions relating to accountability is not open and transparent
Accountability- We set high performance expectations and hold ourselves accountable for the quality of our work and the results we achieve as individuals, as team members and as an organisation.
Note: That means we are accountable to ourselves (only).
Respect - We are sincere, fair and forthright, treating others with dignity and respecting their individual differences, feelings and contributions.
Note: Being banned for no specified reasons(s) is not "respectful"
Professionalism - We show pride, enthusiasm and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to delivering high quality service and advice.
Note: Pride is a characteristic the Council of the City of Armadale excels in.
Note: History shows any hint of less than earnest salutation or allusion to less than outstanding performance, is likely to result in a hostile response
and
5.2 Presenting Issues to Council
In order to assist the public to participate and enhance commmunity relationships, there are a number of options available for residents to present issues to Council for consideration.
These options include the following:
Councillors
Residents can contact Councillors to discuss any issue relevant to Council.
Public Question Time
To provide a fair and equitable opportunity for all members of the public who wish to ask a question at a council or committee meeting, and receive a response within the allotted fifteen (15) minutes, only two (2) questions per person will initially be considered with a limit of two (2) minutes per person.
It is preferable for these questions to be presented to the chairperson in writing and prior to the start of the meeting.
If at the end of public question time persons still have outstanding questions, those questions may be submitted in writing to the Chief Executive Officer and will be dealt with administratively.
Questions may be on any matter affecting the City.
Note: As explained elsewhere in this report, two questions times two minutes each times 21 meetings per year notionally gives the electorate of 40,000 Electors a total of 84 minutes per year per Elector to explore with Council issues of interest or concern to them 2017 Meeting Calendar
Note: The total time of 84 minutes for everyone
includes responses, so do not expect a constructive dialogue with Council
BUT WAIT - there is more !!
Written Requests
A member of the public can write to the City on any issue within Council's jurisdiction.
Petitions
Written petitions can be presented to Council through the Chief Executive Officer or Councillors on any issue within Council's jurisdiction.
Note: See Standing Order 3.4 - The requirements as prescribed by this local law are quite different to the above
Deputations
Where a member of the Community has an interest in an item listed for discussion at a Council or Committee meeting, upon prior written application to the Chief Executive Officer they are entitled to give a deputation.
Such deputations shall consist of no more than five persons with only two who may address the meeting for a period not exceeding 15 minutes.
Note: Compare this commitment of entitlement with Council's refusal to entertain a Public Statement Time in meetings.
Note: See Standing Order 3.11 - The requirements as prescribed
by this local law are quite different to the above
Compare those pledged "commitments" with the terms and conditions of the BAN.
Compare those pledged "commitments" with the terms and conditions that may be discretionally (but unlawfully) imposed upon Councillors and Electors by the Chairperson under his or her absolute discretion.