What is the difference between the Standing Orders and the Code of Practice?
The Standing Orders provide a consolidated reference document which address the policy requirements for the governing body (Council) pursuant to the City of Adelaide Act 1998 (SA), the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) and associated Regulations.
Pursuant to section 92 of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) (the Act), Council is required to have a Code of Practice for access to meetings and documents (the code) and specifically the provisions of section 90 and 91 of the Act.
The administration is currently working towards the creation of a full suite of policies and procedures (including Code of Practices) which will replace the Standing Orders. During the transition period, the Standing Orders will remain in place until separate policies or procedures have been adopted.
Chapter 7 in the Standing Orders currently contains the provisions for the Code of Practice for Meeting Procedures and Access to Meetings and Documents.
Why do we need to review the code of practice?
Section 92 (2) of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) requires that the code be reviewed within 12 months of the election. This review has been undertaken as part of the broader review of the Standing Orders.
Why do we need to consult with the public on the code of practice?
The code of practice was formally adopted in 2008 and further consultation was sought in 2015 and 2019.
Due to the recent, broader review of the Standing Orders the format has changed and duplicated information has been consolidated.
In accordance with section 92(5) of the Local Government Act 1999 (SA), consultation is now sought.
The Code of Practice for Access to Council and Committee Meetings and Documents is to be deleted from the Standing Orders to have a standalone Code of Practice. During the transition process the Standing Orders will remain in place. Once the Code of Practice has been adopted the relevant sections of the Standing Orders will be deleted.
What is a Public Notice and Agenda?
A Public Notice for Council and committee meetings is a ‘Notice of Meeting’ which informs what type, where and when a meeting will be held.
An Agenda is a list that identifies the items of business for a meeting.
At the same time the Notice of Meeting is provided, Council publishes an Agenda accompanied by reports for the items of business listed as a consolidated document.
Where do Council and the committees meet and can anyone attend?
Meetings are held in Adelaide Town Hall, King William Street, Adelaide. Ordinary meetings of Council are held in the Council Chamber and ordinary meetings of the committees are held in the Colonel Light Room.
Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings and view from the seating provided in the public galleries. At times, due to the nature of the item being discussed, the meeting may go into confidence and public will need to leave for the duration of that item(s).
Meetings of Council and committees are live streamed which can be accessed from the City of Adelaide website.
Full details of how public can be involved in the meetings can be found on our website.
