7 May 2025

 

THE motion by Councillor Smith - similar to that of State Ministers - asked the Mayor to provide a monthly diary disclosure, so as to provide greater transparency.

 

The following motion was put forward by Councillor Smith, which asked that Council:

 

• Notes that concurrence has been received from the Office of Local Government to change the delegations for the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer;

 

• Delegates to the Mayor the functions as outlined in the Instrument of Delegation as provided; and

 

• Delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the functions as outlined in the Instrument of Delegation as provided.

 

The motion also requested that the Mayor provide a report to each Ordinary Meeting of Council on:

 

• Meetings and activities of the Mayor’s office (similar to the Diary Disclosures of Ministers – tabulating Date, Organisation/ Individual, Purpose of the Meeting);

 

• Events / activities attended by the Mayor;

 

• Details of when Councillors have represented the Mayor; and that the report to be tabled in May 2025 cover the period from 8 October 2024 to end of April 2025. Thereafter, the Mayor’s report to Council covers the previous calendar month.

 

In addition, the motion also requested:

 

• That the CEO provide a report to each Ordinary Meeting of Council on meetings and activities (that are not wholly internal staff) tabulating date, organisation/individual and purpose of meeting; and

 

• That the report to be tabled in May 2025 cover the period since the declaration of the current Council to end of April 2025. Thereafter the CEO’s report to Council covers the previous calendar month.

 

“The Mayor has a privileged position within the Council but is regarded as the first amongst equals – not a law unto himself,” said Councillor Smith.

 

“Previous Mayors have regularly circulated to Councillors and Senior Staff a record of meetings and events they have attended. For example, the Mayor of Hornsby Council tables “Mayor’s Notes” at their monthly Council meeting. NSW Ministers publish monthly diary disclosures to ensure transparency and accountability.

 

“There is no reason that this should be a secret from our community – especially when the Mayor is being paid an allowance from our residents and ratepayers.

 

“The motion called on the Mayor and CEO to ensure transparency and accountability by tabling these monthly reports."

 

The motion was voted down by the Liberal and Team Central Coast Councillors – with no reason given.

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