What is an Annual Electors Meeting?

In accordance with Section 5.27 of the Local Government Act 1995, an Annual General Meeting of Electors is to be held once every financial year. The Act and associated legislation prescribe the matters that are to be discussed.

What is the purpose of an AEM?

A local government is required to prepare an Annual Report each year. The Annual Report provides an overview of the operations, activities and major projects undertaken by the Shire for the period. It also includes major initiatives that are proposed to commence or to continue in the next financial year.

Once an Annual Report has been accepted by Council, an AEM is held within 56 days. As prescribed by Regulation 15 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, the purpose of an AEM is to discuss the annual report for the previous financial year and then any other general business. The AEM presents an opportunity for electors to ask questions of Council and propose motions (recommendations). Electors present will then be asked to vote on proposed motions, which will allow Councillors to gauge what type of community support there is for different proposals. Motions that are carried are considered by Councillors at the next appropriate Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Who can participate at an AEM?

Only electors are entitled to participate at the meeting. In accordance with Section 1.4 of the Local Government Act 1995 an elector is defined as, “elector, in relation to a district or ward, means a person who is eligible to be enrolled to vote at elections for the district or ward,” and as depicted in section 5.26 of the Act this also includes ratepayers. You can still attend and observe the meeting if you are not an elector, but participation can only be permitted if a resolution is passed by the electors present that permits you to do so.