ALL of the decisions, discord and digressions of a council meeting could soon be laid bare in local living rooms with a push to livestream the sessions.
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A draft model code of meeting practice handed down by the office of local government has sought to mandate councils to livestream their meetings.
The proposal has caused some division around the state and in the chambers at Ray Walsh House.
Mayor Col Murray said he supported the move.
“It’s a good way for people to understand what happens in council meetings,” he said.
Cr Murray said it would be a means to get through to younger residents too.
While he doubted people would forego “their favourite TV shows to tune-in to the council meeting”, Cr Murray said it would create a greater perception of transparency about decisions.
I don't think many will skip their favourite TV show to tune in to the council meeting.
- Mayor Col Murray
Director of corporate and governance Chris Weber said council looked in to livestreaming its meetings in 2016 and found it would be an expensive venture.
Mr Weber said quotes estimated it would cost up to $175,000 to webcast council’s meeting to the “quality we’d like”.
Cr Murray questioned the figure and said council wouldn’t “need all of the bells and whistles” for what the proposal was seeking to achieve.
Glenn Inglis has worked for a number of councils over the years and doesn’t think it should be mandated because it would be too big of a burden for small shires.
“For small councils it would be a huge cost impost,” Cr Inglis said.
“Some small shires don’t even have IT staff working for council.”
He said “tele-access” would also be a factor in more remote shires and councils might question the value if only 30 per cent of residents have access.
The model code suggests councillors would have to submit a question on notice in writing ahead of the meeting.
It also warns against debating and making “preliminary decisions” in pre-meeting briefing sessions which could also become mandated with the code changes.
The pre-meeting session would be attended by councillors, the general manager or a nominated staffer, but the public won’t be allowed in.
The state government is seeking feedback on the amendments to the meeting code.
Submissions can be made to the office of local government until March 16.