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 Type | Council and Citizenship |
What you need | To raise a question prior to the meeting
To raise a question at the meeting
|
Eligibility requirements |
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Applicable laws | Section 5.24 of the Local Government Act 1995 Part 5 of the City of Perth Standing Orders Local Law 2009 |
Need more help?
If you have any further questions please contact: (08) 9461 3333 or email: info@cityofperth.wa.gov.au.