In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Lynn Mason, President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Local Government Act amendments are finally in Parliament. One of the most far reaching changes, if the legislation gets through both Houses unchanged, is the Code of Conduct provisions, which are in the Act, but are spelt out in greater detail in the Regulations. All Councils will have until after the next elections in October to draw up their own Code, but the Code must contain certain basic provisions.
The Act contains provisions for action on breaches of the Code both within the Council itself, or by an external tribunal.
The Local Government Association has requested that the Regulations be reviewed at the end of 12 months – at which time we can determine whether or not there has been an improvement in Council relationships, both within the organisation and with members of the public. While the amendments will also strengthen the role of the Chair (usually the Mayor) there are also some brakes included.
Recently a Mayor in this State attended a public meeting called to protest about proposed State legislation, and by implication, to protest about the decision of the Council to support the legislation, albeit with amendments.
The Mayor of the Council not only spoke out against the Council’s decision, he also moved motions (several) calling for the meeting to reject Council’s actions in meeting with State Government and reaching consensus. It placed the rest of Council in an awkward position, to put it mildly. It also brought into question the role of the Mayor, and the rights of free speech which have to be suspended while holding that office.
Under the proposed amendments to the Act, the Mayor will be required always to represent fairly the views of Council. It remains to be seen whether the public and Councils will work harder for better outcomes as a result of the changes.
