Local Government Advisory Board Statement of Intent
To the Minister for Local Government
Thank you for your Statement of Expectation, dated November 2017. On behalf of the Local Government Advisory Board, I am pleased to respond with this Statement of Intent, which outlines how the board will implement your expectations.
I formally commit the board to meeting your expectations and to ensuring that the Government’s key requirements for the Board are realised. We will continue to work to ensure that the community’s confidence in the board is preserved
and strengthened and that, in all our activities, we operate in a way that promotes collaboration and demonstrates accountability and transparency in support of the government’s priorities.
We wish to reaffirm all elements of the Statement of Expectations and include the following priorities:
Role and functions
The board will inquire into and make recommendations in respect of local government constitutional, boundary and representation matters within the confines of its legislative capacity.
Community participation
The board will listen to all stakeholders when assessing proposals, including local governments, members of the public, government, business and community sectors.
The board will ensure that any local government affected by a proposal is consulted prior to the board making a recommendation.
The board will give due consideration to the objectives within the Local Government Act 1995 of better decision making, greater community participation, greater accountability and more efficient and effective local government.
Requirement to consider proposals
The board will assess boundary proposals independently, impartially and in accordance with the Act, developing and applying processes and methodologies that ensure that the board’s recommendations are evidence-based, objective and unbiased.
The board will give due consideration before deciding whether a proposal is minor in nature and one for which public submissions need not be invited.
In forming an opinion, the board will consider the minor nature of a proposal, rather than the minor nature of the boundary adjustment.
When further consultation may be required
The board will carry out a formal inquiry process where required and ensure that a range of views and sources of relevant information are considered, avoiding the risk of significant facts or issues being overlooked and of the board proceeding to a recommendation
without the benefit of the various points of view about the proposal and its likely effects.
The board will engage in further consultation if it is determined that it is appropriate to change the scope of an inquiry while conducting an inquiry.
The board will also give further notice and allow adequate time for further submissions to be made if they intend to make an order that is significantly different from the originally proposed order.
If it is not clear whether the scope of an inquiry or proposed order is not significantly different from the initial scope or originally proposed order, the board will exercise prudence and treat the matter as significantly different and engage in further
consultation.
Relationship with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
The board will work with the department to ensure that the board is managed in a way that promotes the efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of resources.
The board will take advice from the department on the application of the Act, and ensure that all such queries are referred to the department.
In dealing with the media, as Chair of the board, I will seek the assistance of the department in responding, in accordance with the communication protocol.
It is acknowledged that the department will continue to make available an officer to act as the executive officer to the board.
Good governance
The board will adopt and follow best practice governance processes, ensuring all members of the board are aware of, and comply with, governance principles and reporting arrangements as set out in the Act and the board’s governance documents, such
as the Code of Conduct and board Charter. Appropriate training will be provided to board members.
Communication with the minister
The board will keep you informed of its actions and alert you to events or issues that may impact on government policy or operations, including providing monthly written updates of the board’s work schedule.
Conclusion
The board will continue to diligently manage its activities in accordance with legislative requirements and we will continue to comply with all relevant corporate governance requirements.
All new members of the board will undergo an induction program and receive a comprehensive handbook detailing their role and responsibilities. All board members are to abide by the Code of Conduct and will be offered ongoing support by the Chair.
The board looks forward to continuing to work with you and delivering on your ministerial expectations.
Mel Congerton
CHAIR
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BOARD