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Public Question Time, Deputations and Petitions

Council meetings provide opportunities for members of the public to engage directly with Council through public question time, deputations and petitions.

The information below outlines how each of these processes works and what is required to participate.

Please note that Council meetings are live streamed and can be viewed on the Shire’s YouTube channel and website.

Members of the public are welcome to ask questions at Council meetings during Public Question Time.

When asking a question, you will be required to state your name and locality. Each person is allocated a maximum of three minutes to ask up to two questions, however the Presiding Member may allow an additional three minutes where considered appropriate.

Questions will generally be answered by the Presiding Member, the Chief Executive Officer, or a Senior Employee at the meeting. If a question cannot be answered satisfactorily at the meeting or requires further research, it may be taken on notice. In these circumstances, a written response will be provided as soon as practicable. A summary of the response will also be included in the agenda of the next Ordinary Council Meeting.

A summary of questions asked and responses provided during Public Question Time will be recorded in the meeting minutes.

A deputation is an opportunity for a person or group to address Council in relation to an item on the agenda or other matter within the Council's jurisdiction.

Requesting a Deputation

Any person or group wishing to present a deputation to Council must either:

  • submit a request to the CEO at least 24 hours prior to the meeting for approval by emailing info@manjimup.wa.gov.au; or
  • seek approval from the Presiding Member at the meeting.

Following receipt of a request, the CEO may approve the request and invite the deputation to attend the meeting, or refer the request to Council to determine whether the deputation will be received.

Deputation Requirements

Unless otherwise resolved by Council:

  • a deputation is not to exceed five persons, only two of whom may address the meeting, although others may respond to specific questions from Council Members;
  • the deputation must not exceed 10 minutes unless an extension is approved by the Presiding Member; and
  • additional members may only speak with the permission of the Presiding Member.

Councillors may ask questions of deputation members for clarification of matters raised during the presentation.

A petition allows electors of the district to formally raise a matter of concern with Council. Petitions must be addressed to the Shire President and meet certain requirements in accordance with the Shire of Manjimup Standing Orders Local Law, including listing the names, addresses, signatures and dates of each elector, stating the request on each page, and including a summary of the reasons for the request.

Once received, a petition will be reviewed and either referred for consideration and included in a report to Council, or rejected if it is considered to fall outside Council’s jurisdiction. Council will not make a decision on a matter raised in a petition unless it has been included in a report in the agenda and the issues raised have been considered.

Click here to download a petition template.

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