Updated with council statement.
Public question time wasn’t very public at a meeting of Hume City councillors on Monday 13 October.
Around 30 written questions were submitted by residents, but none were read out or answered in the chamber – breaking the long-standing tradition of having each question read aloud with a council officer providing a carefully crafted response.
The decision, which was not put to the vote, also appears to contradict council’s Governance Rules, which state: “Public question time is held at each council meeting … they will be read out at the council meeting. Public questions will be responded to by a council officer in line with Council’s standard process.”
Sunbury councillor and mayor Jarrod Bell told the meeting that no questioners were present in the public gallery and that, given a busy agenda, public questions would be deferred until the end of the meeting.
“Council this evening has received, I believe, 30 public questions,” Cllr Bell said. “Given that we do have very important items on the agenda this evening in terms of the reports before us… I propose to move this to the end of the agenda this evening so that we can execute the business of council.”
However, the meeting ended without any of the questions being read or answered.
Cllr Bell said written responses would be provided to the submitters and published in the official minutes of the meeting, ensuring the questions and answers will eventually be on the public record. Sunbury Life routinely publishes council Q&As. However, how can something that did not happen appear in the minutes of a meeting?
The council’s media department issued the following statement when we asked if it’s governance rules had been breached: “The large agenda of 18 reports and three notices of motion meant it was appropriate to ensure the work of council aligned to its role was prioritised.
“Other considerations in prioritising the business of council were that none of the questions submitted were related to items on the agenda, and confirmation at the meeting that there we no questioners present in the gallery before the items were deferred.
“All those who submitted questions will receive notice of their response – where they have provided a valid email address.”
Historically, residents attending meetings – and those watching online – have heard each question read aloud and answered in real time. While the questions may appear in the minutes later, some residents may be left wondering if “public question time” is still living up to its name.
A complaint can be lodged with the Local Government Inspectorate if there is a belief council’s obligations weren’t met.
Council CEO Sheena Frost and mayor Jarrod Bell have been approached directly for comment.
Above, Hume City mayor Jarrod Bell explains that public questions will be delayed…and forgotten.
