Council has adopted the new Brimbank Governance Rules 2023, in accordance with Section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.
This followed a community engagement process that sought feedback on the draft Governance Rules.
Key changes included in the Brimbank Governance Rules 2023 are:
A number of changes were also made to the Draft Governance Rules 2023 as a result of community feedback as well as further Councillor input on the draft:
been considered reduced from six (6) months to three (3) months.
The Brimbank Governance Rules 2023 had been reviewed to incorporate the introduction of the Regulatory Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2022, which included provisions allowing councils to implement virtual meetings on a permanent basis.
The Governance Rules 2023 is available to read on Council’s website brimbank.vic.gov.au.
This followed a community engagement process that sought feedback on the draft Governance Rules.
Key changes included in the Brimbank Governance Rules 2023 are:
- updated definitions and provisions associated with presence, attendance and voting, to reflect that this can include by virtual means.
- a process relating to mode of attendance, including notice of whether meetings will be in person/electronic/hybrid, and dealing with requests from Councillors to attend meetings by electronic means.
- removal of provisions in respect to the seal and local law.
- provision for adjournment of meetings for a short break.
- a process for deferral motions to reflect current practice.
- a shorter deadline for submission of public questions to allow more time for consideration by Council officers, the CEO and Mayor.
- clarified process for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
A number of changes were also made to the Draft Governance Rules 2023 as a result of community feedback as well as further Councillor input on the draft:
- Rule 56.4.6 – additional sub Rule to clarify the requirement for names, addresses and signatures to appear on petitions.
- Rule 55.16 - To further emphasise the intent of the Rule, wording updated with changes shown in italics – “The Chair or a member of Council staff nominated by the Chair may, in the interests of maximising the number of questions that can be answered during the time allowed for Public Question Time, choose not to read out any part of the public question that is in the nature of a submission.” ▪
- Rule 55.17 - updated to make it clear that “a written copy of questions submitted and the answers provided at a meeting must be published in the minutes of meeting”.
- Rule 23.4.5 - timeline for reconsidering a notice of motion that has previously
been considered reduced from six (6) months to three (3) months.
- Rule 23.4.7 - removed as it contradicted Rule 23.5
- Rule 23.5 - updated to further clarify operational service requests “The Chief Executive Officer may reject any notice of motion which relates to an operational or service matter that can normally be addressed through the operational service request process.
- Rule 46 – Updated similar to Rule 23.4.5 reducing timeline for reconsidering lost notices of rescission from six (6) to three (3) months.
The Brimbank Governance Rules 2023 had been reviewed to incorporate the introduction of the Regulatory Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2022, which included provisions allowing councils to implement virtual meetings on a permanent basis.
The Governance Rules 2023 is available to read on Council’s website brimbank.vic.gov.au.
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire:
“The Governance Rules 2023 outlines the procedures for Council meetings and sets the rules of behaviour for those participating and present at the meeting.
“This will also ensure that decision-making is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and concerns of the people affected by those decisions.”