Yarra council voted to restrict public participation in its meetings after erecting a wall of desks to separate councillors from ratepayers in the chamber on Tuesday night. | sopphie
Yarra council has voted to restrict public participation in its meetings after erecting a wall of desks to separate councillors from ratepayers in the chamber on Tuesday night.
Promnitz was among a group of residents attending to voice their opposition to new measures that will restrict public participation at council meetings. Individuals will be allowed one question, which must be lodged in writing at least 24 hours before a meeting. Residents will also only be permitted three minutes to speak, cut from five.
Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly opposed the changes, saying they were a shocking affront to residents’ rights that would harm respectful debate.“No one in Yarra thought this is what they were going get with a Greens-run council,” Jolly said. Wade, a Greens councillor, rejected accusations the new public participation measures would quash democracy.
Wade said the council was considering increasing public input by arranging special hearings and forums at locations around the municipality on various community issues.City of Port Phillip: Questions should be submitted in writing before 4pm on the day of the council meeting.
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