New England Group of Councils
Our Reference: S14.11.2
23 October 2015
Joint Organisations Emerging Directions
Office of Local Government
Locked Bag 3015
NOWRA NSW 2541
via email: [email protected]
Dear Sir
Re: Joint Organisations - Emerging Directions Paper
The Group considered the issues contained in the Discussion Paper and reached a
consensus view on the following matters:
1.
Design Principles
Consensus View:
Support the principles listed.
Commentary:
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Strong support for the fundamental that JO’s should not
be a 4th tier of government. It was acknowledged that
the majority of other principles can be expressed in
specific terms in the final framework for JO’s, however
the ‘4th tier issue’ may need to be reflected in a Charter
statement, similar to s.8 Local Government Act 1993.
A set of core activities that is consistent for all JO’s is
required, together with a flexibility for individual JO’s to
add activities that reflect regional needs.
The group acknowledged that there is potential tension
between the ‘serve the best interest……Councils’
principle and the role of a Mayor – which is to promote
the best interests of their community.
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c/- Inverell Shire Council, PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360
2.
Core Functions
Consensus View:
Support the three (3) core functions.
Commentary:
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3.
Entity and Powers
Consensus View:
4.
These functions are contained in NEGOC’s objectives.
Nothing should be included in the legislation establishing
JO’s that will limit individual Councils establishing share
service arrangements outside the JO framework.
Support Option 4 for the enabling model.
Governance and Accountability
Consensus View:
General support for these matters, however some divergent
views on individual matters.
Commentary:
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Strong preference for decision making by consensus,
with a ‘back-up’ mechanism for a formal vote requiring
75% majority to break a stalemate situation. This matter
is most appropriately addressed in the JO constitution
not legislation.
The group placed high importance on keeping the
Governance model simple, however a code of conduct
and constitution is considered essential.
NEGOC supports the role of the Chair and Board outlined
in the ED Paper.
With regards to planning and reporting, NEGOC supports
a model that balances simple, multi-purpose reporting
with strong transparency favouring a planning and
reporting structure that establishes strong links between
State Priorities and the Integrated Planning and
Reporting framework.
NEGOC seeks further clarification on Regional Strategic
Planning – what does this function encompass, what are
the collaborative arrangements, will there be guidance
(ie a toolkit?).
NEGOC expresses some concerns regarding resourcing
JOs. Noting there needs to be a fair funding mechanism
that keeps costs down. The group questioned the need
for sitting fees, however, agree legitimate expenses
should be met (eg travel). NEGOC seeks clarification on
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c/- Inverell Shire Council, PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360
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5.
who would cover these costs, the JO or the individual
Council?
NEGOC suggests that the capacity level of the Executive
Officer should not be prescribed. Simply ‘appropriate
skills to operate at the level of a General Manager’,
needs to be best fit for individual JOs.
General Matters
As a precursor to considering the Discussion Paper, the Group participated in an
exercise that considered the following questions:
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What Excites members about Joint Organisations? What’s the upside?
What do you find Worrisome about Joint Organisations? What’s the
downside?

What else do you Need to Know or need to find out about Joint
Organisations? What additional information would help you to evaluate
things?
What Suggestions for Moving Forward do you have for how NEGOC might
operate under a Joint Organisation framework?

A summary of the responses is attached, which may be of interest in highlighting
matters of interest to the Group.
Yours faithfully
P J HENRY PSM
SECRETARIAT
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c/- Inverell Shire Council, PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360
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c/- Inverell Shire Council, PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360
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c/- Inverell Shire Council, PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360