MELVILLE council ticked off on a new deputations policy on Tuesday despite concerns from regular meeting attendees about it being restrictive and at odds with the cultural change requested after the State Government’s inquiry into the City.
The policy – set to take effect in October – restricts deputations to occur only at council briefing sessions.
Deputations at full council meetings will be granted only in special circumstances, such as late items.
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READ NOWIn a presentation earlier this month, City of Melville Residents and Ratepayers spokesman Mark McLerie said the policy would be at odds with the cultural change required.
There was some debate between councillors on Tuesday ahead of a 9-3 vote to implement the policy.
Councillor Nicholas Pazolli said the policy was against the objectives of the council and they should be aiming to be open and transparent.
Cr Duncan Macphail cited the length of some late night council meetings and said the City was going above and beyond Local Government Act requirements.
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