Public Question Time 

The Local Government Act 1995, Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 and the City of Nedlands Standing Orders Local Law 2009 allows members of the public to ask questions in regard to any issue relating to the City. A minimum of 15 minutes will be allowed for public question time.

To ask a question, please complete the online public question time submission form and submit by 12noon the day prior to the commencement of the meeting, to facilitate the provision of appropriate and adequate answers. Some questions are of a technical nature, which require sufficient working time for Administration to prepare answers to your questions prior to the meeting.

The City may be unable to answer your question immediately if there has been insufficient time to research and prepare the answer. In this case, your question will be taken on notice and will be answered in writing at a later stage. All questions, together with the answers, will be included in the minutes of the meeting at which your questions were asked.  

Questions tabled at Committee meetings should relate and be relevant to the work of that particular Committee. Questions tabled at Council meetings can relate to any matter within Council’s jurisdiction.

The public question time should not be confused with addresses by members of the public, and is for the tabling of questions, not for members of the community to make statements. The opportunity for members of the community to address the meeting and/or make statements is during the item called “addresses by members of the public” which follows the public question time on the agenda.

At the appropriate time in the agenda, the Presiding Member will read out the questions and answers. Prior to reading the questions the Presiding Member will state the name and address of the submitter.

Opening statements made before questions are not precluded but should be as brief as the question to which it relates. If a question posed by the same individual is repetitive in nature, the Presiding Member may refer to an answer given to a question on a previous occasion.

Members of the public are discouraged from asking questions which contain defamatory remarks, offensive language or questioning the competency of staff or Council members. Members of the public are encouraged to direct their question to an issue rather than individuals. 

No debate or discussion is allowed to take place on any question or answer.

For further information or assistance please contact the Executive Officer (08) 9273 3500.

Register for public question time