Question 2: Aldermen's 'trusteeship' role

Question 2: Have you as aldermen in your 'trusteeship' roles sought independent advice in regard to these roles given all that is at risk and at stake? 

         

Response: Aldermen have a role as an elected person, independent advice has been made available during the training and induction processes. Further advice is provided consistent with requirements of section 65 of the Act when specific matters are being considered.

MY RESPONSE: 

• Firstly, this question was addressed to the aldermen and it has been responded to by management. Moreover, it assumes that training and induction processes are, and have been, sufficient, and by implication provided by management. Nonetheless, it is clear that management do not appear to have ensured that aldermen have been apprised of their QVMAG governance/trusteeship role and if it has been the response here does not say so. Moreover, there appears to be an imbedded implication that management does not acknowledge aldermen’s QVMAG governance/trustee function – possibly in relation to SECION 65 of the LG Act which seems to presume elected representatives lack expertise. 

• Seconly, this answer implies that the only ‘expert advice’ aldermen might have available to them is the advice that the General Manager deems to be expert advice. The flow on seems to be that this advice is always adequate/appropriate albeit that in regard in-house advice may not be relevant, free and fearless advice.