Decision details

Memorandum by the Chief Executive Officer

To Council:

This memorandum seeks Council's confirmation of the appointment of Councillors as voting delegates to the Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) Special Conference, including the debate and resolution of motions, currently scheduled to be held in-person at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022.

The Special Conference follows on from LGNSW's online 2021 Annual Conference, and will focus on how councils can drive a “locally led” employment and economic recovery, as we continue to grapple with the complex challenges posed by the global pandemic.

LGNSW’s Annual Conference has traditionally provided the opportunity for member councils to bring forward policy motions for debate and resolution, thus helping to set the advocacy agenda for the year to come.

Member feedback following the 2020 online conference experience indicated a strong preference for an in-person event at which more motions could be debated and resolved.

The Special Conference Program is available at lgnswconference.org.au/program/

Due to timeframe constraints, all Councillors have been contacted and registered for the Special Conference and as voting delegates where they have indicated they can attend.

Voting Delegates

The City of Sydney is entitled to register up to 10 voting delegates for motions. It is proposed that Council confirm the nomination of the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as voting delegates. Voting delegates must be registered to attend the conference, and also be registered as a voting delegate on motions. It is noted that Councillors who cannot attend the Special Conference will be withdrawn as voting delegates.

Motions

The conference will include discussion and debate on a range of motions from councils relating to current and emerging policy issues facing local government in NSW.

All members can put forward motions to be considered at the conference, which should be strategic, affect members state-wide, and introduce new or emerging policy issues and actions.

The Motions Submissions Guide is available at: https://www.lgnsw.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/Annual%20Conference%20documents/Special_Conference/Conference_Motions_submission_guide_FINAL.pdf

The guide provides information on the criteria for motion submission, examples of motions, and what happens to motions after the conference.

Member councils will receive an electronic copy of the business paper one week before the conference.

Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy

Councillors Craig Chung, Kerryn Phelps, Linda Scott, Jess Scully and Angela Vithoulkas were the City of Sydney delegates at the online 2020 LGNSW Conference. Expenditure incurred for the 2020 conference totalled $264.

The Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy 2017 provides for Councillors to attend the LGNSW Annual Conference at the City’s expense. Funds are available in the 2021/22 operating budget to cover registration fees, travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by Councillors.

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Kok –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council confirm the appointment of the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as its voting delegates at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Special Conference to be held in-person at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022;

(B)      all registration fees and other reasonable expenses associated with the attendance of Councillors at the conference be met by the City in accordance with the Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy 2017; and

(C)      Council note that a spouse, partner or other guest may accompany a Councillor to some conference events, and the City will meet any associated ticket costs.

Carried unanimously.

X030976