2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     3 MARCH 2015


Section 41(1) of The Act defines a lobbyist as “an entity that carries out a lobbying activity for
a third party client or whose employees or contractors carry out a lobbying activity for a third
party client”.
2.       Policy and Council Responsibilities
The attached Policy confirms Council’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities under The
Act and ensures careful consideration is given to any recommendations or directions
provided by the Integrity Commissioner in relation to lobbying.
The Policy also provides for the development of a Guideline to inform Councillors and
Council Officers of the procedures to be followed when approached by a professional
lobbyist and to meet the record keeping requirements of the Integrity Commissioner. A draft
Guideline is to be developed by the CEO and training subsequenetly provided to Councillors
and relevant staff.
It is acknowledged that one of the main lobbying activities involving Councillors will relate to
development applications. In this regard, the Council Policy “Development Assessment -
Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors and Council Officers” will continue to apply and be
read in conjunction with the Contact with Lobbyists Policy and associated Guideline.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil.
Finance & Risk
The adoption of the Contact with Lobbyists Policy while not a regulatory requirement is
considered to be a good governance practice as will guide Councillors and staff in their
dealings with lobbyists and improve transparency and decision making.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil.
Internal Consultation
Nil.
Departments/Sections Consulted:

       Community Services                         Planning & Infrastructure
       Disaster Management & Public Order         Building & Plumbing Services
       Waste & Environmental Health               DA Planning
       Community Facilities                       Strategic Land Use Planning
       Cultural Facilities                        Asset Design & Investigations
                                                  Asset Planning
                                                  Civil Operations
                                                  Environment

x      Executive Office                           Corporate Services
       Community Engagement                       Finance
       Customer Service                           ICT
       Executive Support                          Procurement & Fleet
x      Governance                                 Property & Facilities
       Human Resources                            Revenue Services




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