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Public question time

Section 5.24 of the Local Government Act 1995 provides that members of the public are able to ask questions at council meetings and committee meetings that are open to the public.

What is Public Question Time?

  • It is time set aside during a meeting to hear questions from the public that relate to the business of the Council 
  • The time is available only for asking questions, not for making statements or expressing personal opinions 
  • Time limits may be applied at the meeting 
  • No discussion of the question or answer can take place at the meeting
  • The presiding member may reject a question that is considered either offensive or reflects adversely on the City, the council or an employee

What happens at the meeting?

The member of the public may elect to attend and verbally ask the question themselves
OR
The member of the public may choose to have the Chief Executive Officer read their question aloud

How will the member of the public get a response?

If the question is provided the day before the meeting, a response will be provided at the meeting
If the question is provided on the day of/at the meeting, a response will either be provided at the meeting 
OR 
may be taken on notice (with a response provided and recorded in the next meeting agenda)
In either case, post the meeting, the City will provide a formal written response to your question

Key Details

Service TypeCouncil and Citizenship
What you need

To raise a question prior to the meeting

  • Using the City’s online form, submit your written question 24 hours prior to the meeting

To raise a question at the meeting

  • Complete a physical form (located near the entrance to the Council Chambers at Council House) and hand to a City of Perth officer before the meeting commences
Eligibility requirements
  • Questions must relate to the business of the Council
  • Questions must not take the form of a statement or a personal opinion.
  • Questions received prior to the meeting will be read aloud by the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Questions may be answered at the meeting or if necessary, the question may be ‘taken on notice’ and a written response will be provided. The response is recorded in the next Ordinary Council Meeting agenda.
  • No discussion of the question or answer can take place at the meeting.
  • The presiding member may reject a question that is considered either offensive or reflects adversely upon the City, the council or an employee.

Applicable laws
Section 5.24 of the Local Government Act 1995
Part 5 of the City of Perth Standing Orders Local Law 2009

Forms

Need more help?

If you have any further questions please contact: (08) 9461 3333 or email: info@cityofperth.wa.gov.au.

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