In 2002 the State Government commenced a review of the Local Government Act 1993. The review was undertaken in recognition that Local Government had changed considerably since the commencement of the 1993 Act. Furthermore, the Government’s policy in relation to Local Government is also very different, with its innovative Partnership Agreements having led to the development of a much closer working relationship between the two spheres of government.

Key changes made to the Act as a result of the review included: ·

• improved meeting procedures, including the recording of votes by elected members on all motions and increased powers for the chairman of council and council committee meetings; ·
• a code of conduct for councillors; ·
• a procedure for councillors to obtain council information and documents; ·
• a redefinition of the roles of elected members and the general manager; ·
• rating amendments, including specific provisions dealing with water charges by volume consumed; ·
• increased reporting requirements for the council’s annual report, including publishing in bands the salary packages of senior council officers; ·
• new tendering procedures that reflect modern business practices; ·
• a requirement for all councils to introduce customer service charters; ·
• a simplified petitions process; and
• more comprehensive pecuniary interest provisions, including a public register of interests declared by councillors at meetings.

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