Candidate Information Booklet - June 2021 - NSW ...
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Candidate Information Booklet June 2021
City of Parramatta
Contents
Message from the Chief Executive 3
Our City – A Snapshot 4
Our Wards 6
The Services we provide 7
The Big Issues 8
What the Community have told us (CSP) 12
Where we get our funds from and how we spend it 13
Becoming a Councillor 14
• The relationship between Elected Members and Staff
• Time commitments
• The decisions we have to make – overview of a Council Business Paper
• The Declarations we must make
- Oath of Office
- Designated Person Return
- Conflict of Interest
Key documents/policies I need to be familiar with 18
• Code of Conduct
• Code of Meeting Practice
• Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy
• Community Strategic Plan
Candidate Information Booklet
Message
from the
Chief Executive
Local Government plays a Making the decision to stand in Also, we aim to provide you
critical part in the delivery of the election as a candidate is with an indication of what time
the most vital services to a huge commitment. To assist commitments may be required
communities. We are the arm of candidates in this process the City of you and the variety of issues
government which is closest to of Parramatta Council is running you will be dealing with if you are
the people. Becoming a Councillor two Candidate Briefing Sessions successful in being elected as a
is a privilege and a wonderful and has produced this booklet to Councillor.
opportunity to make a difference provide you with a quick overview
We hope this information will assist
to your community. of the city, the Council and the
in your decision-making process
commitments you will need to
Councillors play a vital role on whether you will stand for
make on becoming an elected
in meeting the needs of local election. Council wishes you well
Councillor.
communities. They serve their in your endeavour and hopefully
communities by listening to The Briefing Sessions will provide we can see a number of you at our
people in the local area and you with an overview on: first meeting of the new term in
then representing those views on September.
• Standing for election
Council. They make decisions that
• The role of Councils and Brett Newman
can change local communities and
Councillors and Chief Executive Officer
environments. The communities
that Councillors represent are • Leadership
made up of a mix of people with
The purpose of the Candidate
different needs and interests from
Booklet is to place this information
a diverse range of backgrounds.
within a City of Parramatta
Effective Councils are made up of
context. This booklet aims to
Councillors that reflect this mix.
provide you with quick overview of
On 4 September electors in the our city, the services we provide,
Parramatta community will vote the big issues we are addressing,
for a new Council electing 15 where we get our funds from and
Councillors from across 5 wards. what we spend it on.
3
City of Parramatta
Our City – A Snapshot
Popn 257,197 Median age
projected to 34 years 50% of residents
grow to 445,000 (c.f NSW 38 born overseas
by 2036 years)
Median 55% of 0.7% of
Household residents live residents identify
income $1775/ in medium to as Aboriginal
week (NSW high density or Torres Strait
$1481/wk) dwellings Islander
13% of SEIFA Score Index of 10% of
households Disadvantage 1039 (2016) residents do not
Higher score = less disadvantage
experiencing City of Sydney = 1027 speak English
housing stress Inner West = 1053 well or at all
Cumberland = 929
Our Place • 859ha of parks, reserves & • Gross Regional Product of
sportsgrounds $30.34B in 2020
• LGA covers 84km²
• 461ha of bushland • More than 29,000 business
• Home to the Darug People located in our city
• More than 750 significant
• 65km of natural waterways archaeological sites
4Candidate Information Booklet
Parramatta’s role in Sydney
The Greater Sydney Region Plan, The City of Parramatta forms the next 20 years. This will transform
A Metropolis of Three Cities is built on core of the Central River City. many parts of the city from a
a vision of three cities where most Economic activity within this city suburban to an urban environment.
residents live within 30 minutes of will be focussed in the Greater
For more information visit: greater.
their jobs, education and health Parramatta and the Olympic
sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities
facilities, services and great places. Peninsula Economic Corridor.
The three cities are the Western The population of the Central River
Parkland City, the Central River City is projected to increase from
City and the Eastern Harbour City. 1.3 million to 1.7 million over the
5City of Parramatta
Our Wards
;
1:40,000
N
Base data supplied from NSW Department of Lands
Maps Updated and Published by Information
Systems, Parramatta City Council
Copyright City of Parramatta Council 2020
Epping
North Rocks
Local Government Area Ward Boundaries
CITY OF PARRAMATTA COUNCIL
Parramatta
Dundas
City of Parramatta Council
time of its Production, City of Parramatta council does
not warrant theinformation or plans do not contain
Rosehill
correctness of the information on this map at the
While every effort has been made to ensure the
Legend
Ward Boundary
Dundas
Epping
North Rocks
Parramatta
Rosehill
Local Government Area
Printed
Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, 13/08/2020
Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
The City of Parramatta Local Government Area is divided into five electoral areas known as wards. These are:
• North Rocks • Parramatta • Rosehill
• Epping • Dundas
Each ward elects three (3) Councillors for a total of fifteen (15) Councillors representing the population of the
Parramatta Local Government Area (LGA). The Lord Mayor is elected by the Councillors for a two (2) year term.
6Candidate Information Booklet
The Services we provide
Our Services are based around the Innovative. Council’s activities and multi-disciplined teams to
six Strategic Goals identified within and services are organised by achieve the strategic priorities
the Community Strategic Plan Directorate and Business Units, but identified by the Parramatta
(CSP) which are Fair, Accessible, in reality, the activities and services community in the CSP.
Green, Welcoming, Thriving and are delivered by multi-functional
FAIR ACCESSIBLE GREEN
We can all benefit from the We can all get to where We care for and enjoy our
opportunities our city offers. we want to go. environment.
• Library Services • Advice on Major Developments • Open Space & Natural Area
• Community Support & Social • Urban Design Advice Management
Enterprises • Parking Services • Environmental & Sustainability
• Affordable housing • Provision of Paid Parking Programs
• Integrated Community Hub Services • Development Assessment • Public Domain Cleansing Services
• Children & Family Services • Tree Management • Domestic & Commercial Waste Services
• Recreation Facilities & Programs • Civil Infrastructure & Catchment • Ranger Services
• Communication & Engagement Management • Certification Services
• Governance • Traffic Signage Maintenance
• Internal Audit
• Internal Ombudsman
WELCOMING THRIVING INNOVATIVE
We celebrate culture and We benefit from having a We collaborate and champion
diversity - past, present thriving cbd and local centres. new ideas to create a better
and future. future.
• Economic Development
• Riverside Theatres • Marketing • Strategic Planning
• Riverside Program • Maintaining Public Domain Amenity • Small business support & Strategic
• Arts & Culture Program Partnerships
• Parramatta Artists’ Studios • Financial Reporting
• Events & Festivals • Customer Service
• Tourism & Visitor Services • Planning Advice
7City of Parramatta
The Big Issues –
The Big Issues
major projects
transforming
our city
Parramatta is rapidly growing SYDNEY
into Sydney’s Central City – a
METRO WEST
strategic centre of services
This project will deliver world- 5 PARRAMATTA
and infrastructure which will
drive employment and growth class metro services to connect SQUARE
for the whole Western Sydney Greater Parramatta and 5 Parramatta Square, Council’s
region. Over the next 20 years, the Sydney CBD via a new new civic, community and cultural
there are several major projects underground railway (doubling space, will be a sustainable,
that stand out as once-in-a- the rail capacity between the two multipurpose building with a
generation opportunities for our centres). cutting edge façade.
City. Although there is significant
development taking place in
ESCARPMENT PARRAMATTA
many growth hotspots across BOARDWALK LIGHT RAIL
our City, these projects have the The Escarpment Boardwalk is Parramatta Light Rail is a major
potential to be transformative for one of the last critical links in infrastructure project to connect
residents, businesses and visitors in the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, commuters across Greater
Parramatta. the foreshore path along the Parramatta with their homes,
Parramatta River between jobs, hospitals, universities,
PARRAMATTA CBD Sydney Olympic Park and entertainment hubs, sport
Our CBD is changing as Parramatta Park. The project is stadiums and leisure areas.
Council’s vision to create a a river-level shared path that will Transport for NSW is leading
vibrant business and cultural allow pedestrians and cyclists to this project, and Council is a key
hub for Western Sydney comes access the CBD foreshore along partner in the process of planning
to life. Parramatta Square, the the northern bank, and avoid the and delivering this infrastructure.
Civic Link project, Parramatta need to cross Macarthur Street or
Quay, and Parramatta Light use Gasworks Bridge. WESTMEAD
Rail, Parramatta Powerhouse
INNOVATION PRECINCT
and Sydney Metro West will PARRAMATTA SQUARE
completely transform the By 2036 there will be more than
The $2.4 billion Parramatta
look and feel of the City. The 20,000 tertiary students and
Square, slated for completion
centrepiece of Parramatta’s river 50,000 full-time staff working
in 2022, is set to become a
foreshore will be a new cultural across Westmead. More than
landmark destination in the
precinct, including the new, state- $3 billion has been committed
heart of the Parramatta CBD.
of-the-art Museum of Applied by government, universities and
It includes the construction of
Arts and Sciences (Parramatta the private sector to deliver an
at least five major commercial,
Powerhouse), and the integrated and innovative health,
educational and civic buildings
redevelopment of the Riverside commercial, education and
which will border a public domain
Theatres. research precinct. A new civic
thoroughfare in the core of
heart on the Parramatta Light
Parramatta’s CBD.
Rail route will be created with an
enhanced public domain and an
increased number of dwellings.
8Candidate Information Booklet
CIVIC LINK
The Civic Link Framework
Plan aims at creating a green,
pedestrianised public space
and cultural spine that connects
public life, from the heart of the
Parramatta CBD to the River.
The Link crosses through four
significant City blocks, interfacing
with a number of private
development sites, state heritage
items and State Government
projects such as Parramatta
Light Rail and the new Museum
of Applied Arts and Sciences. It
will also function as the major
public link to the River, improving
access from the City to the
River foreshore and enhancing
connections between the ferry
wharf and the CBD.
AQUATIC &
LEISURE CENTRE
Parramatta’s new Aquatic and
Leisure Centre will meet the MUSEUM OF APPLIED PARRAMATTA RIVER
current and future needs of our ARTS & SCIENCES AND The Parramatta City River
rapidly growing population for RIVERSIDE THEATRES Strategy is a plan for revitalising
many decades to come. With the foreshore of the Parramatta
more than a million visitors Parramatta’s City River foreshore
New Parramatta Aquatic Leisure Centre
Artist impression River between Gasworks Bridge 25
expected to use this facility each will soon include the new
(Macarthur Street) and Rings
year, the new centre will be flagship Museum of Applied Arts
Bridge (O’Connell Street). It aims
utilised for swimming carnivals, and Sciences (MAAS), and the
at strengthening Parramatta’s
training and competition, whilst redevelopment of the beloved
identity as the Central River
offering essential learn to swim Riverside Theatres.
City by upgrading the City River
programs. The venue will be a The Museum, which will open in
corridor and reclaiming the
place to relax and cool off in the 2023, will be the State’s largest
foreshore as a vibrant public
summer months and provide a with 18,000 sqm of exhibition
space for the City. This includes
range of additional health and and public spaces. The Museum
better spaces for walking, cycling
wellness offerings all year round. and the redeveloped Riverside
and for hosting major events by
Theatres will be anchor venues
the River such as New Year’s Eve
for arts and culture within the
and Loy Krathong.
Parramatta CBD. They will deliver
outstanding cultural facilities
which the community will enjoy
for decades to come.
9City of Parramatta
Parramatta North
UrbanGrowth NSW is planning
to deliver new apartments and
Developing
a village centre, as well as 7 ha
of public open space, including
a river foreshore park on NSW
Government lands. Council
our precincts
will advocate for the retention
and adaptive reuse of heritage
buildings to accommodate arts,
cultural, health and heritage
endeavours.
Although many areas
within our City will not
undergo significant
change, there are plans
for precinct development
in several areas across
the City of Parramatta.
Westmead
More than $3 billion has been committed by the
NSW Government, universities and the private
sector to upgrade and expand the precinct’s health
services, medical research facilities and public
transport. As a world-class Innovation District,
Westmead will see a significant increase in jobs
and university students over the next 20 years. A
masterplan is being undertaken to guide this and
future investment in the precinct.
Granville
Part of the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban
Transformation Strategy area (north of the railway Camellia
line), the strategy will see Granville transform into The long term vision for
a high density, mixed-use town centre with high renewal at Camellia includes
quality public domain, open space networks and a high density mixed use town
transport links. centre located on the future
Parramatta Light Rail route
with a proposed new primary
school, community facilities,
new jobs, housing and public
open spaces on the riverfront.
10Candidate Information Booklet
Telopea
A combination of new and revitalised social,
affordable and private housing is planned, as well Epping Town Centre
as a retail centre next to the forthcoming light rail With significant new and
station. This mix of housing, transport and social redevelopment putting pressure
infrastructure will support a growing and more on existing infrastructure,
diverse community. the Epping Planning Review
seeks to introduce planning
controls that better manage
future growth. Stage 2 of the
Epping Planning Review aims
to address principles relating
Rydalmere
to heritage, commercial
The vision for
floorspace, public domain,
Rydalmere involves
traffic and planning processes.
its transformation
into a high-tech and
knowledge precinct.
This will involve Melrose Park
redevelopment The urban renewal planned will result in significant public
for retail and benefit for the new and existing community and surrounding
commercial uses, neighbourhoods. Residential development, including a
suiting businesses minimum of 150 affordable dwellings, will provide significant
seeking to build housing stock to the area to address housing choice and
strong relationships affordability.
with the adjacent
Western Sydney
University campus. Wentworth Point
This precinct forms part
of the wider area of urban
renewal of former industrial
and commercial lands on the
Sydney Olympic Peninsula.
A growing residential area is
planned, as well as commercial
centres and a maritime plaza.
This precinct will continue to
deliver new homes, open space,
shops and services.
Sydney Olympic Park
Carter Street The Master Plan for this precinct
South of Sydney Olympic Park, this seeks to promote the Park’s role as
area was rezoned in 2015 to support its a premier destination for cultural,
transformation into a vibrant community entertainment, recreation and
with easy access to the M4 motorway. sporting events, and protect and
The precinct will provide more homes, enhance the public domain and
better public spaces, a primary school, parklands. Sydney Olympic Park
shops and cafes with access to public will be transformed into a thriving
transport, international sporting facilities urban centre providing employment
and entertainment venues. opportunities, housing and retail.
11City of Parramatta
What the Community
have told us
Since the City of Parramatta was • They want the City’s • They love Parramatta’s green
proclaimed in May 2016, Council neighbourhoods to be better and open spaces, and the
has been talking extensively with connected to the CBD, and Parramatta River – spaces they
the community, to understand to each other, with ongoing want to continue to enjoy.
their priorities, needs and long road improvements to address
• They also want to see action
term aspirations. It’s clear the congestion spots, as well as
on our changing climate,
community is passionate about parking at key locations.
and for Parramatta to be an
Parramatta, and want to build on
• They want to be able to work eco-efficient City, where our
the strengths of our community
close to home, and not spend buildings use less energy and
to create a liveable, productive
lots of time commuting across water, and we recycle more
and sustainable future. The
Sydney. They want to see new, and waste less.
Parramatta Community have set
and larger companies basing
these long term aspirations out in • They want Council to continue
their operations in Parramatta,
their Community Strategic Plan to find the balance between
and support for small business.
(CSP) which is Parramatta’s peak maintaining existing assets and
planning document. Here they • They want to have a more building new ones, to optimise
have told us: diverse range of affordable use for a growing population.
housing options, so that
• They want future growth to be • They want a forward-thinking,
families of all income levels are
managed, with the economy innovative and transparent
catered for.
and other infrastructure Council that listens to
improved to keep up with • They want vibrant and safe and collaborates with the
demand. neighbourhoods and precincts community. They care about
that showcase our City’s the future of our City, and
• They want Parramatta’s rich
emerging food and cultural want community needs and
heritage to be the cornerstone
scene – great destinations that aspirations to be at the heart
of future development.
are close to home. of Council’s decision-making
• They want to get where
• They want to build on
they need to go easily and
Parramatta’s unique cultural
efficiently, with a strong public
identity, celebrating our rich
transport network supported by
history, sense of community
walking and cycling paths.
and diversity. They believe that
diversity – of cultures, ages,
and income levels – is our
City’s greatest strength, and
fundamental to our identity.
12Candidate Information Booklet
Where we get our funds
from and how we spend it
During the course of 2021/22 the 2021/22 financial year. The levels, statutory functions and to
financial year, Council will continue budget projections for 2021/22 respond to community priorities
to review key focus areas and financial year is an operating and contractual commitments.
service measures to ensure future deficit of $15.8m, with revenues Capital Expenditure for the 2021/22
year’s budgets result in a surplus of $275.8m and expenditure of financial year is $311.7m.
and that Council is not spending $291.6m, with resources allocated
beyond its funding capacity after to provide existing service
How much City of Parramatta spends 2021/22
$’000
Operational expenditure (including depreciation) 291,630
Capital expenditure 311,739
Total 603,369
For every $100 that Council spends:
$38 $15 $7 $7 $7
Major works Parks, Maintaining Corporate Library &
& constructon recreation roads, footpaths Management community
& culture & drains services
$5 $7 $9 $3 $3
Engineering Planning & Waste Environmental Trades & fleet
& traffic development management sustainability management
13City of Parramatta
Becoming a Councillor
If you are successful at the ballot The relationship The CEO provides the link
box and are sworn in as a City of between the elected Council and
between elected
Parramatta Councillor there are its employees. While all Council
some fundamental aspects that members and staff staff have a duty to carry out
you will need to understand which The role of the elected Council may and implement Council decisions,
consist of: be compared to that of the board they are responsible to the CEO,
of a public company or a more not the Councillors. Individual
• The relationship between
complex version of a board that Councillors cannot direct staff
Elected Members and Staff
oversees a local club; the elected in their day-to-day activities.
• Time commitments Council oversees the activities of However, this is counterbalanced
• The decisions we have to the Council but is not involved by the responsibility of the CEO
make – overview of a Council in the day-to-day running of the to provide information, guidance
Business Paper Council. The ‘shareholders’ of a and support to Councillors to make
public company can be likened to a good decisions. This relationship is
• The Declarations we must set out in the diagram below.
local community. Councils employ
make
staff to administer the Council. The
- Oath of Office Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the
most senior member of staff and
- Designated Person Return
is responsible to the Council for
- Conflict of Interest, carrying out Council decisions and
- Amongst other declarations policy and overseeing the day-to-
day operation of the Council.
1.4 A council’s structure
COUNCIL’S GOVERNING BODY
– ELECTED COUNCILLORS
» Providing policy framework
» Setting strategy
» Monitoring performance
» Allocating resources
Reporting to Implementation
council on of council’s
activities and decisions
outcomes
CEO
GENERAL MANAGER
– COUNCIL STAFF
» Implementing strategy & policy
» Ensuring compliance
» Advising council on strategies
COUNCIL’S ADMINISTRATIVE BODY
Key Relationships
14
Between five and 15 elected councillors hold office and members of the public. These committees
as ‘the council’ for four years. The elected council’s provide councillors with the opportunity toCandidate Information Booklet
Time commitments wide range of issues. This requires commencing at 6.30pm, meeting
you to have an understanding twice a month. In between these
Being a Councillor places a of how to manage external times other meetings, workshops
high level of demand on your relationships, and most of all ‘be a and briefings are held. Set out
time. Not only are you a major good listener’. below is an overview of an average
conduit between the Council and month’s commitment to these
the Community, you function In the latter role, as a member
types of meetings. This will give
as a ‘member of the board’ in a of the Governing Body, you will
you an indication of the average
collective role as a member of be expected to attend Council
time commitment per month you
the Governing Body. Councillors Meetings, Workshops and Briefings.
may need to make once you are
can expect to be contacted by Council generally holds its
elected.
members of the community on a Ordinary Meetings on a Monday
Time commitments
Mon to meetings
Tue at City of Parramatta Council
Wed Thu Fri
Week 1 Council Workshop Councillor Grants Councillor Briefing Working Group
6 – 9pm Committee 6 - 9pm Meeting
4 – 6pm 6 - 8pm
Smart City Advisory
Committee
5 – 7pm
Week 2 Ordinary Council Floodplain Risk Councillor Briefing Finance Committee
Meeting Management 6 - 9pm 5.30 - 7.30pm
6.30 - 10.30pm Committee
5 - 6.45pm
Week 3 Council Workshop Councillor Briefing Audit Risk &
6 – 9pm 6 - 9mpm Improvement
Committee
6 - 8pm
Week 4 Ordinary Council Councillor Grants Councillor Briefing Finance Committee
Meeting Committee 6 - 9pm 5.30 - 7.30pm
6.30 - 10.30pm 4 – 6pm
ATSI Advisory
Committee
6 - 8pm
Cycleways Advisory
Committee
6 - 7.30pm
15City of Parramatta
The decisions This means that as a Councillor Council deals with. There is an
you will be called upon to make obligation for you to read these
we have to make
decisions on a wide range of issues. reports to ensure you can make
In is important to understand that ‘informed decisions’.
Set out below is an extract from an
Councils are not ‘single function’
Ordinary Council Meeting business
organisations but rather are
paper. This illustrates the variety
multi-functional organisations
of business the City of Parramatta
providing a wide array of services.
Item Report for Consideration
1 FOR NOTATION: Minutes of Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 25 February 2021
2 FOR APPROVAL: Council Policies for Adoption
3 FOR APPROVAL: 2021 Community Grants
4 FOR APPROVAL: Major Projects Advisory Committee (MPAC) Membership
5 FOR APPROVAL: Little India Business Reference Group Update
6 FOR APPROVAL: Better Neighbourhood Program 21/22 and 22/23
7 FOR APPROVAL: 6&8 Parramatta Square - Part Closure of Darcy Street, Parramatta
8 FOR NOTATION: Minutes of the 5/7 Parramatta Square Advisory Group Meeting held on 6 May 2021
9 FOR NOTATION: Minutes of the Smart City Advisory Committee Meeting held on 4 May 2021
10 FOR APPROVAL: Response to Notice of Motion - $300+ Million at Risk from Council's Essential Community
Infrastructure Program due to the NSW Government's New Infrastructure Contributions System
11 FOR APPROVAL: Post Gateway - Draft Development Control Plan and Draft Planning Agreement for 85-91 Thomas
Street, Parramatta
12 FOR APPROVAL: Post Exhibition - Outcomes of two Planning Proposals and three DCP amendments for various
matters in Epping
13 FOR APPROVAL: Post Exhibition - Finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal following consideration of
submissions received during the public exhibition period (Deferred Item)
14 NOTICE OF MOTION: Shortage of Dog Parks in Epping Ward
15 NOTICE OF MOTION: Newington Anglican Church
16 NOTICE OF MOTION: Illegal Dumping
17 NOTICE OF MOTION: Removal of 60 Trees in Parramatta Park for the Construction of 130 Car Parking Spaces
18 FOR APPROVAL: Tender 13/2021 Epping Road Cycleway
19 FOR APPROVAL: Exception to Procurement for ICT Upgrade pursuant to Section 55 of the Local Government ACT
1993
20 FOR APPROVAL: Occupation of the Main Building at 35 South Street Rydalmere
21 FOR APPROVAL: Expression of Interest - 40 Victoria Street, Epping (Boronia Grove Cafe & Office Spaces)
22 FOR APPROVAL: Future Council Office Accommodation Options
16Candidate Information Booklet
Declarations you Designated Person Return For a Councillor this could mean
Part 4 of the City of Paramatta that you may need to physically
must make
Code of Conduct establishes the remove yourself from the Council
Councils are public bodies and requirement for the disclosure of Meeting and not participate in
as such are bound by legislation pecuniary interests by Councillors the decision-making process. All
to ensure that they operate in and designated persons. A written declarations are recorded in the
a transparent and accountable return is required from Councillors meeting minutes and are published
manner. To assist with this process and designated persons within in a publicly available register.
Councillors are required to make three months after:
There are two types of interests
specific declarations. This could
• Becoming a Councillor or which a Councillor may declare
mean information which you
designated person, and consisting of:
might see as being ‘personal’
must be made publicly available • 30 June of each year, and • A Pecuniary interest, or
and in some instances will be
• Becoming aware of an interest • A Non-pecuniary interest
published on Council’s website. As
they are required to disclose
a Councillor you will be required A pecuniary interest is one which
to make specific declarations The return must set out details relates to you having a potential
consisting of: on all real property you own or financial gain or loss arising from
have an interest in (including the matter before Council.
Oath of Office
details on shares and interests in A non-pecuniary interest revolves
If successful in being elected,
companies you may have etc), around personal and/or private
and before a Councillor can
details of any gifts or benefits you relationships you may have. These
commence their duties, they are
have received or loans that you are commonly arise out of family or
required by legislation to swear
subject to, and any contributions personal relationships or out of
an oath or affirmation of office.
towards travel you may have involvement with sporting. social
This is where a Councillor makes a
received. These returns are or other cultural groups.
statutory commitment ‘to represent
required to be publicly available Non-pecuniary interests can
the interests of the entire local
on Council’s website. be either significant or less-than-
government area’. Under the
significant. There is an onus on the
provisions of the Local Government Declaring Conflicts of Interest
individual Councillor to declare
Act, a Councillor who fails to There is an on-going obligation
and appropriately manage
make this oath or affirmation on both Councillors and staff to
these interests.
cannot commence their role as declare any interests they may
a Councillor. Refusal to make the have when dealing with Council Failure to adequately manage
oath can result in disqualification business. There is an onus on conflicts of interest could result
from office. Council Officials to identify any in disciplinary action being taken
conflicts of interest and to take which in some instances could
appropriate action to manage result in either suspension or
these in favour of their public duty. dismissal from office.
17City of Parramatta
Key documents you need
to be familiar with
If you are successful in being elected as a Councillor there are some key documents you will need to be
familiar with:
• Code of Conduct
Visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/inline-files/CodeOfConduct25Feb2021.pdf
• Code of Meeting Practice
Visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/2019-11/code-of-meeting-practice_2019.pdf
• Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy
Visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/inline-files/Councillor_and_Staff_Interaction_
Policy_001_004X_0J3C0UTCTDV.pdf
• Community Strategic Plan
Visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council/key-council-documents/community-strategic-plan
The above documents provide you with an overview of:
• The expected standards of behaviour you must comply with
• How to actively participate in Council meetings and its decision-making process
• How you will relate to the Council staff, and
• What the Parramatta community’s long-term vision, aspirations and priorities are
18Candidate Information Booklet
19cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
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