Decision details

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Weldon -

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         it is the responsibility of the elected Council to determine the policy positions of the Council;

(i)         the City of Sydney regularly makes submissions to State and Federal Parliamentary inquiries, and in response to policy and legislative reviews; and

(ii)        the City of Sydney regularly makes submissions in response to State-led and State Significant planning proposals and development projects;

(B)       Council agree that, wherever practical, submissions drafted and prepared by Council staff are to be tabled as draft to the elected Council for review and endorsement, before being finalised and submitted; and

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         table draft submissions at Council meetings for review by the elected Council, prior to being finalised and submitted; and

(ii)        noting that often short timelines are provided for providing comment or to make a submission, when needed:

(a)        seek an extension of time from the relevant body or government agency undertaking the consultation, review or inquiry, to enable the City’s draft submission to be drafted and considered by the elected Council; and

(b)        if it is not practical to table a draft submission at the elected Council for consideration, instead table a summary of the key points or policy positions which are proposed to be included in the submission for the elected Council’s consideration and endorsement.

The motion was lost on the following show of hands –

Ayes (3)          Councillors Ellsmore, Scott and Weldon

Noes (7)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chan, Davis, Gannon, Jarrett, Kok and Worling.

Motion lost.

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