Hornsby Shire Council Table of Contents
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Item 17 CC25/12 Local Government Association of NSW and Shires Association of NSW - Proposed Amalgamation into One Association............................................................................ 1
Executive Manager's Report No. CC25/12
Corporate and Community Division
Date of Meeting: 16/05/2012
17 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF NSW AND SHIRES ASSOCIATION OF NSW - PROPOSED AMALGAMATION INTO ONE ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The President of the Local Government Association of NSW (LGA) has advised that the Executive Committees of both the LGA and the Shires Association of NSW (Shires Association) have taken important formal steps for progressing the proposal to establish “One Association” to the next stage i.e. to have the proposal submitted to a secret postal ballot of delegates of the members of each Association.
Council has been requested to supply an up to date list of its seven voting delegates for the proposed ballot. Once Council determines its voting delegates, staff will advise the LGA and provide details of the private mailing address of each Council delegate such that they can be included in the Roll of Voters.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this Report is to table correspondence received from the LGA and recommend that Council determine its seven delegates to vote on the proposal to amalgamate the LGA and the Shires Association.
DISCUSSION
Advice has recently been received from the President of the LGA that the Executive Committees of both the LGA and the Shires Association have taken important formal steps for progressing the proposal to establish “One Association” to the next stage i.e. to have the proposal submitted to a secret postal ballot of delegates of the members of each Association. A copy of the letter from the President and an Update and Status Report from the LGA is attached.
On 17 April 2012, in the case of the Shires Association, and on 20 April 2012 in the case of the LGA, a number of formal resolutions were adopted authorising the two Associations to jointly apply to Fair Work Australia for its approval for the submission of the proposed amalgamation to ballot. As a result of the resolutions being passed by both Executive Committees, the Application was lodged on 20 April 2012 and a hearing before Fair Work Australia is now awaited. Once Fair Work Australia gives its approval, the conduct of the vote will be handed to the Australian Electoral Commission who will independently manage the voting process.
As a consequence of the above, Council has been requested to supply an up to date list of its voting delegates for the proposed ballot. The LGA has asked that this be undertaken as a matter of priority to ensure that the completion of the ballot is not delayed. In accordance with the rules of the LGA, Council is entitled to seven voting delegates as the Shire’s population is over 150,000. Once Council determines its voting delegates, staff will advise the LGA and provide details of the private mailing address of each Council delegate such that they can included in the Roll of Voters.
The LGA has advised that it will continue to provide regular communications as the matter progresses through what is now the critical stages of this important initiative.
BUDGET
There are no budgetary implications associated with this Report.
POLICY
There are no policy implications associated with this Report.
CONSULTATION
There was consultation with the General Manager in the preparation of this Report.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Executive Manager, Corporate and Community Division – Mr Gary Bensley – who can be contacted on 9847-6605.
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THAT
1. Council nominate its seven delegates to participate in the vote to determine if the Local Government Association of NSW and the Shires Association of NSW should be amalgamated into One Association.
2. Staff advise the Local Government Association of NSW of the seven voting delegates, and their private mailing addresses, such that the delegates can be included on the Australian Electoral Commission’s Roll of Electors.
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Gary Bensley Executive Manager Corporate and Community Division |
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1.View |
Letter from Local Government Association of NSW dated 2 May 2012 |
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File Reference: F2004/07180-02
Document Number: D01919234
