Media Response - Electronic Council Meetings

Published on 11 August 2022

Question:

Some residents/ratepayers groups across all councils have expressed concerns about virtual only meetings, saying in-person meetings are also integral for disadvantaged people that can't attend meetings including those without the internet, the elderly. Residents also say they would be losing their connection with the community at meetings. But, some councillors support this move too.

How many submissions has the council received? 

Council has received 11 submissions since the consultation started on 1 August.

Can I please have a statement as to why this is a positive move? 

The arrangement to allow Councillors to attend Council meetings virtually was put in place by the State Government as part of the pandemic orders and ends on 1 September 2022.

Council is now proposing that the possibility for virtual meetings be allowed to continue as COVID continues to impact on workplaces. To do so, we need to make this possible through our own Governance Rules.

This does not mean that Councillors will only attend virtually. It merely allows that option to be available if individual circumstances require it, for example if a Councillor is unwell or they are caring for an unwell family member.

Most people recognise that the pandemic has caused a shift in how organisations operate, with hybrid models more the norm. Council is simply ensuring this option is available if and when circumstances require it to be used.

Unless government restrictions demand it, residents will always be able to attend Council meetings in person.

Monash has never had every single Councillor attend virtually and the Mayor has attended all Council meetings physically throughout the pandemic.

To date, where restrictions have allowed it, there have always been a number of Councillors in the Chamber for each public meeting.

Issued: 3 August 2022

To: Herald Sun

Quoting: Mayor Stuart James