LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL 2008

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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL 2008

Serial 129
Local Government Bill 2008
Mr Knight

A Bill for an Act to provide for, and regulate, local government

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2008

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Act No. [ ] of 2008

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TABLE OF PROVISIONS

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

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Act No. [ ] of 2008

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An Act to provide for, and regulate, local government

[Assented to [ ] 2008]

[Second reading [ ] 2008]

PREAMBLE:

1. Local government is a distinct and essential sphere of government.

2. The system of local government:

(a) needs to be flexible and adaptable to the diverse interests and needs of the many communities within the Territory; and

(b) needs to be comprehensive, democratic, responsive to community needs and accountable both to local communities and the public generally.

3. The rights and interests of Indigenous traditional owners, as enshrined in the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), must also be recognised and the delivery of local government services must be in harmony with those laws.

4. This Act therefore seeks to provide a legislative framework:

(a) to establish a democratic and effective system of local government that recognises the diversity of communities in the Territory; and

(b) to confer on councils wide powers to act for the advancement, and in the best interests, of their local communities; and

(c) to enable councils to play a broad role in promoting the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of their local communities; and

(d) to impose high standards of ethical conduct on council members; and

(e) to require of councils high standards of governance, service delivery, asset management and financial accountability; and

(f) to require councils to promote and assist constructive participation by their local communities in achieving effective local government for their areas.

The Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory therefore enacts as follows:

Chapter 1 Preliminary

Part 1.1 Short title and commencement
Short title

This Act may be cited as the Local Government Act 2008.

Commencement

(1) This Act (except section 257) commences on 1 July 2008.

(2) Section 257 commences on the date of assent to this Act.

Part 1.2 Interpretation
Definitions

In this Act:

Aboriginal community living area means an area granted as an Aboriginal community living area under Part 8 of the Pastoral Land Act (or the corresponding previous legislative provisions).

Aboriginal community living area association means an incorporated association in which an Aboriginal community living area is vested.

Agency, see section .

allotment, see section .

annual value, of land, see section 8A of the Valuation of Land Act.

area, of a council, means the local government area for which the council is constituted.

associate, see section .

Australian auditing standards means the auditing standards in force under section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001.

authorised audit company, see section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001.

authorised deposit account means:

(a) an account with an ADI; or

(b) an account with the Territory Insurance Office.

business day means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.

CEO, of a council, means the council's chief executive officer and includes an acting CEO.

Chair, of a meeting of a council, local board or council committee, see sections and .

close family relationship means:

(a) the relationship between spouses or de facto partners; or

(b) the relationship between a person and:

(i) the person's child or remoter lineal descendant; or

(ii) the child or a remoter lineal descendant of the person's spouse or de facto partner; or

(i) the person's parent or remoter lineal ascendant; or

(ii) the parent or a remoter lineal ascendant of the person's spouse or de facto partner; or

(d) the relationship between brothers, sisters or brother and sister.

commission of inquiry means a commission of inquiry appointed by the Minister under Chapter 16.

conclusion, of an election – an election concludes at the declaration of poll, or if there is no poll, on declaration that the candidates for election are elected.

council subsidiary, see section .

Crown land means land of the Territory that has not been alienated by grant in fee simple.

elector, for an area or ward means an elector for the Legislative Assembly who is enrolled in respect of a place of residence situated within the area or ward (as the case requires).

electoral campaign material means an advertisement or other material intended to promote the electoral prospects of a particular candidate or group of candidates.

improved capital value, of land, see section 8 of the Valuation of Land Act.

land includes:

(a) for land held under a pastoral lease or other lease from the Crown – the leasehold interest; and

(b) for land held under a lease from a Land Trust – the leasehold interest; and

(d) for land held under a mining tenement – the interest in or in respect of land conferred by the tenement; and

(e) for land held under lease from the council – the leasehold interest.

Land Council means an Aboriginal Land Council established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth).

land registration authority means:

(a) for all land except a mining tenement – the Registrar-General; or

(b) for a mining tenement – the authority responsible for administering the appropriate statutory register.

Land Trust means an Aboriginal Land Trust established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth).

LGANT means the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory.

local resident, in relation to a council, means a person who is resident in the council's area.

member means (according to context) a member of a council, a local board, or a council committee.

minerals includes extractive minerals (i.e. sand, gravel, rocks or soil).

mining tenement means a statutory lease or authority authorising the commercial production of minerals, petroleum or natural gas from land (but does not include such a lease or authority if it is not being actively used for that purpose).

occupier, of land, means a person who is, either jointly or alone, in possession of the land to the substantial exclusion of others.

owner, of land, means:

(a) the holder of an estate of fee simple in the land; or

(b) if the land is held from the Territory or a Land Trust under a pastoral or other lease – the lessee; or

(d) if the land is subject to a mining tenement – the holder of the tenement.

private company means a proprietary company with fewer than 25 members.

ratepayer means a person who pays, or is liable to pay, rates or a charge imposed on land under Chapter 11.

reserve, see section 76 of the Crown Lands Act.

returning officer, for a council, means:

(a) a person appointed by the council to the office of returning officer or currently acting in that office; or

(b) if no person currently holds or acts in the office of returning officer but the Minster has appointed a person as returning officer for the council – the person appointed by the Minister; or

road includes a road reserve.

special resolution means a resolution supported by the votes of at least three-quarters of the total number of members of the council.

Tribunal means the Local Government Tribunal (See Part 18.2).

unimproved capital value, of land, see section 9 of the Valuation of Land Act.

urban farm land means land classified by a council as urban farm land – see section .

valuation roll means the valuation roll prepared and maintained under the Valuation of Land Act.

zone means a zone constituted under the Planning Act.

Associates

A person is an associate of another if:

(a) they are in a close family relationship; or

(b) they are in partnership; or

(d) they are related companies; or

(e) one is a private company and the other is a shareholder in the company; or

(f) a chain of relationships can be traced between them under one or more of the above paragraphs.

Part 1.3 Agency
Agency

(1) The Agency is the department or departmental unit to which responsibility for administering this Act is allocated by an Administrative Arrangements Order.

(2) The Agency acts under this Act through its Chief Executive Officer or a delegate of its Chief Executive Officer.

(3) It follows that, where this Act confers a particular power on, or assigns a particular power or function to, the Agency, the power or function is to be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer or some other person to whom the Chief Executive Officer has delegated the power or function.

(4) A reference in this section to the Chief Executive Officer of an Agency is a reference to the person responsible for administering the Agency (whether or not that person is officially designated as the Agency's Chief Executive Officer).

Part 1.4 Act to bind Territory etc.
Act to bind the Territory and other jurisdictions

This Act binds:

(a) the Territory and its instrumentalities; and

(b) all other jurisdictions and their instrumentalities.

Chapter 2 System of local government

Part 2.1 Local government areas
Local government system

Under the system of local government established by this Act:

(a) the Territory is divided into local government areas having regard to:

(i) geography and natural configuration; and

(ii) the nature and density of population; and

(iii) the viability, and appropriateness, of each area as a separate unit of local government administration; and

(b) a council is constituted for each area to be responsible for the government and management of the area at the local level.

Municipalities and shires

Local government areas are classified as municipalities or shires according to the density of population and the degree of urbanisation.

Part 2.2 Constitutive powers
Power to establish local government etc.

(1) The Administrator may, by Gazette notice, exercise any one or more of the following powers:

(a) constitute a part of the Territory as a local government area or abolish a local government area;

(b) determine whether a local government area is a municipality or a shire, or change a municipality into a shire, or a shire into a municipality;

(d) assign a name to the council for a local government area or change the name of the council for a local government area;

(e) define or change the boundaries of a local government area;

(f) create or abolish wards;

(g) define or change the boundaries of a ward or wards;

(h) assign a name to, or alter the name of, a ward;

(i) determine or change the number of members to be elected for a particular area or a ward within a particular area;

(j) correct an error or omission in an earlier notice under this section.

(2) The Minister may also, by Gazette notice, exercise any of the powers conferred by subsection (1) except the power to constitute or abolish a local government area.

(3) A local government area may consist of 2 or more non-contiguous sections.

Consequential adjustment of rights and liabilities

(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, make any disposition of property or rights and liabilities that may be desirable in consequence of the constitution or abolition of a local government area or a change to the boundaries of a local government area.

(2) The Registrar-General must, on application for registration of a disposition of an interest in land made by the Minister under subsection (1), make appropriate entries in the land register.

Part 2.3 Role, functions and objectives of councils
Principal role of council

The role of a council is:

(a) to act as a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker in the interests of its constituency; and

(b) to develop a strong and cohesive social life for its residents and allocate resources in a fair, socially inclusive, and sustainable way; and

(d) to encourage and develop initiatives for improving quality of life; and

(e) to represent the interests of its area to the wider community; and

(f) to exercise and carry out the powers and functions of local government assigned to the council under this Act and other Acts.

Functions of a council

The functions of a council include the following:

(a) to plan for the future requirements of its area for local government services;

(b) to provide services and facilities for the benefit of its area, its residents and visitors;

(d) to carry out measures to protect its area from natural and other hazards and to mitigate the effects of such hazards;

(e) to manage and develop council facilities and services in its area in a sustainable way;

(f) to promote its area as a location for appropriate industries or commerce or as an attractive tourist destination;

(g) to establish or support organisations or programs that benefit the council area;

(h) to manage and develop for the benefit of its area all the resources available to the council;

(i) other functions assigned to the council under this or any other Act.

Objectives of a council

A council has the following objectives:

(a) to provide open, responsive and accountable government at the local level;

(b) to be responsive to the needs, interests and aspirations of individuals and groups within its area;

(d) to seek to ensure a proper emphasis on environmentally sustainable development within its area and a proper balance between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations;

(e) to place a high value on the importance of service to the council's constituency;

(f) to seek to ensure that council resources are used fairly, effectively and efficiently;

(g) to seek to provide services, facilities and programs that are appropriate to the needs of its area and to ensure equitable access to its services, facilities and programs;

(h) generally to act at all times in the best interests of the community as a whole.

Operations outside area

(1) A council may provide services outside its own area but cannot exercise its regulatory powers outside its own area except by mutual agreement with the council in whose area the powers are to be exercised.

(2) However, a council may exercise regulatory and other powers outside its own area without the agreement of another council if the occasion for exercising the powers arises from circumstances occurring in the council's area.

Example

A dangerous dog attacks a child in the area of council A and becomes liable to seizure and destruction under the by-laws of that council. The dog is removed to the area of council B. In this case, council A may (without the agreement of council B) have the dog seized and destroyed in the area of council B.

Chapter 3 Planning at the regional and local level

Part 3.1 Regional management plans
Division of Territory into regions

The Territory is divided for the purposes of this Part into the regions described in Schedule 1.

Requirement for, and consultative nature of, regional management plan

(1) There must be a regional management plan for each region.

(2) A regional management plan is to be primarily the product of consultation:

(a) between interested councils for the region; and

(b) between interested councils for the region and the Agency.

(3) A municipal council may (but is not required to) participate in consultation related to a regional management plan.

Note

Hence a reference in this Part to an interested council for a region is a reference to any council whose area lies within the region except a municipal council that expresses a desire not to be involved in consultation related to the regional management plan.

(4) A regional management plan only binds a municipal council to an extent agreed by the council.

(5) LGANT may participate in consultation related to a regional management plan.

Content of regional management plan

(1) A regional management plan:

(a) must address:

(i) the opportunities and challenges for local government service delivery in the region; and

(ii) the administrative and regulatory framework for local government service delivery throughout the region; and

(iii) ways of improving service delivery by cooperation between councils, or between councils and government agencies or other organisations; and

(b) must define, for shire councils within the region, the core local government services, and where they are to be delivered, in the region.

(2) A regional management plan may provide for the joint management of facilities within the region for the benefit of residents within the region.

Examples

1 A regional management plan could provide for the joint management of a cemetery or a waste management facility for the mutual benefit of 2 or more areas – and perhaps for the formation of a council subsidiary to manage and operate the cemetery or waste management facility on behalf of the councils.

2 A regional management plan could provide for consultation and cooperation between a council or councils and the appropriate Land Council in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between them.

Term, revision and amendment of regional management plans

(1) A regional management plan operates for a term of 4 years fixed in the plan.

(2) At the end of its term, a regional management plan is to be replaced by a revised regional management plan for the region.

(3) A regional management plan may be amended at any time during its term by agreement between the Agency and the interested councils for the region.

Preparation and revision of regional management plans

(1) The Agency must collaborate with the interested councils in each region in the preparation and revision of regional management plans for the region.

(2) The Agency prepares a regional management plan (or a revised management plan) for a region as follows:

(a) the Agency first consults with, and ensures consultation between:

(i) the interested councils for the region; and

(ii) LGANT (if it wants to be involved in the consultation); and

(iii) other interested bodies and persons;

and prepares a draft management plan for the region;

(b) the Agency prepares a draft management plan reflecting the results of the consultation and, at least 4 months before the date fixed in the draft for commencement of the regional management plan, the draft is published on the Agency's website;

(c) a notice is published on the website and in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the Territory inviting written representations, within a period (at least 1 month) specified in the notice, from interested persons;

(d) after considering all representations made within the relevant period, the Agency prepares, in consultation with the interested councils and LGANT (if it wants to be involved), a final version of the management plan and publishes it on the Agency's website.

(3) The draft regional management plan and the notice inviting written representations must also be published on the website of any councils whose area is within the relevant region.

(4) If a serious dispute arises between the Agency and a council for the region about the provisions of a draft regional management plan and it appears that the dispute cannot be resolved by agreement, the Agency must:

(a) notify the council of:

(i) the dispute and the reasons for it; and

(ii) the Agency's intention to ask the Minister to resolve the dispute; and

(b) refer the dispute to the Minister.

(5) The Minister will resolve a dispute referred under subsection (4) and the regional management plan must reflect the Minister's decision.

Agency to report annually on service delivery

(1) The Agency must report annually to the Minister on the performance of councils when measured against the relevant regional management plan.

(2) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days after the Minister receives the report.

Public accessibility of regional management plans and related documents

(1) The following documents are to be accessible on the Agency's website:

(a) regional management plans;

(b) draft regional management plans;

(2) A regional management plan must also be accessible on the website of a council for an area within the region.

Part 3.2 Municipal or shire plans
Municipal or shire plan

(1) Each council must have a plan for its area.

(2) The plan for a municipal council is called the municipal plan and for a shire council, the shire plan.

(3) A council's municipal or shire plan must be accessible on its website.

Contents of municipal or shire plan

(1) A municipal or shire plan:

(a) must contain:

(i) a service delivery plan for the period to which the municipal or shire plan relates prepared in accordance with planning requirements specified in a relevant regional management plan; and

(ii) the council's budget; and

(b) must contain, or incorporate by reference:

(i) any long-term community or strategic plans adopted by the council or a local board and relevant to the period to which the municipal or shire plan relates; and

(ii) the council's long-term financial plan; and

(i) the adequacy of constitutional arrangements presently in force for the council under this Act and, in particular, whether they provide the most effective possible representation for the area; and

(ii) the opportunities and challenges for local government service delivery in the council's area; and

(iii) possible changes to the administrative and regulatory framework for delivering local government services in the council's area over the period to which the plan relates; and

(iv) whether possibilities exist for improving local government service delivery by cooperation with other councils, or with government agencies or other organisations; and

(d) must define indicators for judging the standard of its performance.

(2) A council must make or revise an assessment of the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(b) at least once in the council's term and, until the council makes or revises the assessment, the municipal or shire plan is to include the assessment (if any) made during the previous term of the council.

(3) A municipal or shire plan incorporates a plan or assessment by reference if it refers to the plan or assessment and includes a link or reference to a webpage on which the plan or assessment is accessible.

Annual review of municipal or shire plan

(1) A council must adopt its municipal or shire plan (or revisions to its municipal or shire plan) between 1 April and 31 July in each year and forward a copy of the plan (or the revised plan) to the Agency by the latter date.

(2) Before the council adopts its municipal or shire plan (or revisions to its municipal or shire plan) for a particular year, the council must:

(a) prepare a draft of the plan (incorporating any proposed revisions); and

(b) make the draft plan accessible on the council's website and make copies available for public inspection at the council's public offices; and

(c) publish a notice on its website and in a newspaper circulating generally in the area inviting written submissions on the draft plan within a period (at least 21 days) from the date of the notice; and

(d) consider the submissions made in response to the invitation and make any revisions to the draft the council considers appropriate in the light of the submissions.

Chapter 4 Council and its members

Part 4.1 Council as a body corporate

Division 1 Corporate nature, capacity and powers of council
Council to be body corporate etc.

(1) A council is a body corporate.

(2) A council has the name assigned to it by or under this Act.

(3) A council has full legal capacity to acquire or incur any rights, powers, obligations and liabilities that may attach to a body corporate.

(4) A council has the functions and powers conferred by this Act.

How council acts in its corporate capacity

(1) A council acts:

(a) through local boards, council committees, officers, staff and agents to whom the council has delegated powers or authorised to act on its behalf; or

(b) through officers or other persons authorised by this Act (or a by-law) to act on the council's behalf; or

Note

It follows that a contract will be made by a council under its common seal or by an officer or other agent of the council with authority to act on its behalf.

(2) The affixing of the common seal to a document:

(a) must be authorised or ratified by resolution of the council; and

(b) must be attested by the signatures of the CEO and at least one member of the council.

Division 2 Formation of council subsidiary
Council subsidiary

(1) If the Minister approves, a council or 2 or more councils acting together (the constituent council or councils) may form a body corporate (a council subsidiary) to carry out functions related to local government on behalf of the constituent council or councils.

(2) The council subsidiary and the constituent council or councils must comply with any conditions of the Minister's approval.

(3) LGANT may participate with a council or 2 or more councils in the formation of a council subsidiary and, if it does so, a reference in this Division to a council or a constituent council extends to LGANT.

Corporate identity and functions of council subsidiary

(1) A council subsidiary comes into existence as a body corporate on a date fixed by the Minister by Gazette notice.

(2) A council subsidiary:

(a) has the name assigned in its constitution; and

(b) has the powers and functions conferred or assigned by its constitution.

(3) A council subsidiary acts:

(a) through officers or agents appointed for the purpose; or

(b) under its common seal.

(4) The common seal of a council subsidiary may only be affixed to a document as authorised by its constitution.

Constitution of council subsidiary

(1) The constitution of a council subsidiary must be as approved by the Minister.

(2) The constitution may provide that liabilities of the council subsidiary are guaranteed by the constituent council or councils.

(3) The constituent council or councils may, with the Minister's approval, vary the constitution of the council subsidiary.

(4) The approved constitution must be accessible on the Agency's website and on the website of any constituent council.

Reporting obligations

(1) A constituent council is responsible for ensuring that proper accounts are kept of the council subsidiary's financial affairs.

(2) A constituent council's annual report is to contain a report on the council subsidiary's activities for the relevant financial year including financial statements for the relevant financial year.

Abolition of council subsidiary

(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, abolish a council subsidiary.

(2) On abolition of a council subsidiary, its property, rights and liabilities are transferred to, and vest in, the constituent council or councils in accordance with the constitution of the council subsidiary.

Division 3 Delegation
Delegation

(1) A council may delegate powers and functions.

(2) A delegation may be made to:

(a) a local board; or

(b) a council committee; or

(d) the CEO.

(3) However:

(a) the power to impose rates cannot be delegated; and

(b) if power to incur financial liabilities is delegated the council must fix reasonable limits on the delegate's authority; and

Part 4.2 Council members

Division 1 Composition of council
Composition of council

A council consists of the members elected or appointed to the council from time to time under this Act.

Vacancy etc. in office of member

The validity of a decision or act of a council is unaffected by:

(a) a vacancy in the office of a member; or

(b) a defect in the appointment or election of a member; or

Division 2 Role of members
Role of members

(1) The role of a member of a council is:

(a) to represent the interests of all residents and ratepayers of the council area; and

(b) to provide leadership and guidance; and

(d) to participate in the deliberations of the council and its community activities; and

(e) to ensure, as far as practicable, that the council acts honestly, efficiently and appropriately in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

(2) However, a member of the council has no power to direct or control staff, or to interfere with the management of staff.

(3) A member of the council has a duty to act, at all times, in what the member genuinely believes to be the best interests of the council's constituency.

Division 3 Terms and conditions of membership
Eligibility for membership

(1) A person is, unless disqualified, eligible for election or appointment as a member of a council if enrolled as an elector in respect of a place of residence within the council's area.

(2) However, a person is not eligible for election or appointment as a member of a shire council representing a particular ward unless enrolled as an elector in respect of a place of residence within the relevant ward.

Disqualification

(1) A person is disqualified from office as a member of a council if the person:

(a) holds a judicial office (other than justice of the peace); or

(b) is bankrupt or subject to a composition or arrangement with creditors under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

(d) is an employee of the council; or

(e) is indebted to the council for rates or surcharge and fails to discharge the debt within 6 months after the debt becomes due and payable; or

(f) is certified mentally unfit to carry out the functions of a member.

(2) However, an employee of a council is not disqualified from office as a member of some other council.

Example

An administration officer who lives in Alice Springs and works for the Central Desert Shire Council is not disqualified by that employment from office as a member of the Alice Springs Town Council.

(3) A person is certified mentally unfit to carry out the functions of a member if 2 medical practitioners have certified that the person is mentally unfit, and likely to remain unfit for the remainder of the person's term of office, to carry out the functions of a member.

Basic term of office

(1) A council member is elected or appointed for a term of office ending at the conclusion of the next general election following the member's election or appointment.

(2) If a member continues to be eligible for membership, the member is eligible for re-election for a successive term or terms.

Casual vacancies

(1) A person ceases to hold office as a member of a council if the person:

(a) dies; or

(b) is disqualified from office as a member of the council; or

(c) ceases to be enrolled as an elector in respect of a place of residence within the area or, in the case of a member of a shire council, ceases to be enrolled as an elector in respect of a place of residence within the ward the member was elected or appointed to represent; or

(d) is absent, without permission of the council, from 2 consecutive ordinary meetings of the council; or

(e) resigns by written notice of resignation given to the CEO; or

(f) is removed from office by the Minister under Part 7.5.

(2) If a member ceases to hold office under subsection (1)(b) or (c), the former member must inform the CEO as soon as practicable of the casual vacancy in the former member's office, and of the reason for it.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(3) If a member gives a written notice of resignation to the CEO, the resignation:

(a) cannot be withdrawn; and

(b) takes effect on the date the notice is given to the CEO or on a date (not more than 14 days later) specified in the notice.

(4) On receipt of a written notice of resignation, the CEO must immediately notify the council.

(5) The following rules govern the filling of casual vacancies:

(a) if a casual vacancy occurs within 12 months or less before the next general election, the council may (in accordance with its policy) co-opt a person to fill the vacancy until the next general election;

(b) if a casual vacancy occurs more than 12 months before the next general election, a by-election is to be held to fill the vacancy.

(6) However, if:

(a) a member resigns in order to stand as a candidate for election to the Legislative Assembly or the Commonwealth House of Representatives or the Senate; and

(b) the resignation takes effect not more than 28 days before the close of nominations for the relevant election; and

(c) the former member is not elected, and applies to the CEO to be reinstated as a member of the council within 7 days after the result of the election is known;

the former member is reinstated as a member of the council.

(7) A member reinstated to office under subsection (6) is not entitled to remuneration or allowances for the period between resignation and reinstatement.

Determination of eligibility for office

If there is reason to doubt that a member or a candidate for election as a member of a council is eligible to hold the office, the Tribunal may, on application by the CEO, the returning officer or a local resident, determine the question.

Immunity from liability

(1) No civil or criminal liability lies against a member of a council for an honest act or omission done or made in the exercise, or the purported exercise, of the member's official functions.

(2) A civil liability that would, but for subsection (1) lie against a member of a council lies instead against the council.

Part 4.3 Principal member of Council
Mayor or President

(1) The principal member of a municipal council is to have the title Mayor or, in the case of the Darwin City Council, the title Lord Mayor.

(2) The principal member of a shire council is to have, at the election of the council, the title President or Mayor.

Role of principal member (and deputy or acting principal member)

(1) The role of the principal member of a council is:

(a) to chair meetings of the council; and

(b) to speak on behalf of the council as the council's principal representative; and

(2) The role of the deputy principal member of a council is to carry out any of the principal member's functions when the principal member:

(a) delegates the functions to the deputy; or

(b) is absent from official duties because of illness or for some other pressing reason; or

(3) If the principal member is absent from official duties on leave or for some other reason, and there is no deputy principal member or the deputy is not available to act in the principal member's position, the council may, by resolution, appoint some other member of the council to act in the principal member's position for a specified period or until the principal member resumes official duties.

Election or appointment of principal member

(1) The principal member of a council is:

(a) in the case of a municipal council – to be elected to the office; or

(b) in the case of a shire council – to be appointed or elected to the office.

(2) A shire council is taken to have chosen appointment as the basis of filling the office until the council changes the basis of filling the office under subsection (3).

(3) A shire council may, by special resolution, change the basis of filling the office.

(4) However, a change to the basis of filling the office:

(a) may only be made once during a council's term; and

(b) must be made at least 3 months, but not more than 9 months, before the end of that term.

(5) If a change is made to the basis of filling the office, the change does not take effect until the next general election (but it takes effect for the purposes of that election).

Appointment or election of principal member (and deputy)

(1) If appointment is the basis of filling the office of the principal member of a council, the council must, at the first meeting of a council to be held after a general election, appoint one of its members to be the principal member, and another to be deputy principal member, of the council.

(2) If election is the basis of filling the office of the principal member:

(a) the office is to be filled at each general election; and

(b) the council must, at the first meeting of the council to be held after each general election, appoint one of its members to be deputy principal member.

Term of office and casual vacancies

(1) The principal member is elected or appointed for a term of office ending at the conclusion of the next general election.

(2) The deputy principal member is appointed for a term of office ending at the conclusion of the next general election or a lesser term fixed by the council when it makes the appointment.

(3) A casual vacancy occurs in the office of the principal member, or deputy principal member, if the person holding the relevant office:

(a) ceases for any reason to be a member of the council; or

(b) resigns from the relevant office by giving written notice of resignation to the CEO.

(4) The council may make any appointment necessary to fill:

(a) a casual vacancy in the office of the principal member; or

(b) if a deputy principal member has been appointed for a term ending before the conclusion of the next general election – a vacancy occurring at the end of the deputy's term.

(5) However:

(a) if a by-election is to be held to replace an elected principal member, the casual vacancy will be filled by the successor elected at the by-election; and

(b) if a person is co-opted to fill a casual vacancy in the office of an elected principal member:

(i) the co-opted member is not (unless appointed by the council to be its principal member) to be the council's principal member; and

(ii) the council may appoint any of its existing members to be its principal member for the remainder of the council's term; and

(c) if the council does not fill a casual vacancy in the office of an elected principal member, it may appoint any of its existing members to be its principal member for the remainder of its term.

Note

This section should be read in conjunction with section (5). This provides that if a casual vacancy occurs in the office of any member more than 12 months before the end of the council's term, a by-election is to be held to fill the vacancy; if 12 months or less, the vacancy may be filled by co-option.

Part 4.4 Council office
Council office

(1) A council must have a public office (and may have 2 or more public offices).

(2) A public office must be open to the public at reasonable times determined by the council.

(3) If a council has 2 or more public offices, a document to be displayed or available for inspection at the council's public office must be displayed or available for inspection at each of the public offices.

Chapter 5 Local boards and council committees

Part 5.1 Local boards
Object

The object of this Part is to achieve effective integration and involvement of local communities in the system of local government.

Establishment of local boards

(1) A council may establish one or more local boards.

(2) The council may designate a part of its area as the location within which a particular local board is to exercise its functions.

(3) The council may abolish a local board.

Petition for establishment of local boards

(1) A group of 20 or more residents may lodge a petition with the council seeking the establishment of a local board for a part of the area in which they are resident.

(2) The petition must designate a member of the group as its representative.

(3) On receipt of the petition, the council must consider establishing (but is not obliged to establish) a local board for the relevant part of the area.

(4) In deciding whether to establish a local board as sought in the petition, the council must consider:

(a) the extent of support for the proposal among other residents of the relevant part of the area; and

(b) whether the council's resources are sufficient to support the effective operation of the proposed local board.

Constitution of local boards

(1) A local board is to consist of:

(a) the members of the council who are resident within the local board's area or who represent wards within its area; and

(b) such other members of the community or communities within the local board's area as the council thinks fit to appoint as members of the local board; and

Note

A member of the council's staff is eligible for appointment as a member of a local board (even though staff members are disqualified from membership of the council itself).

(2) The principal member of the council is a member ex officio of a local board and may (but is not obliged to) participate in its meetings.

(3) The members of a local board are not entitled to receive an allowance or other form of remuneration from the council for their work as members of the local board but are entitled to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Functions of local boards

(1) The functions of a local board are:

(a) to involve local communities more closely in issues related to local government; and

(b) to ensure that local communities are given an opportunity to express their opinions on questions affecting local government; and

(c) to allow local communities a voice in the formulation of policies for the locality as well as policies for the area and the region; and

(d) to take the views of local communities back to council and act as advocates on their behalf; and

(e) to contribute to the development of the relevant regional management plan and the relevant municipal or shire plan.

(2) A local board is subject to control and direction by the council.

Procedure

Subject to direction by the council, a local board determines its own procedures.

Part 5.2 Council committees
Council committees

(1) A council may establish council committees.

(2) A council committee consists of the persons appointed by the council to be members of the committee.

(3) The members of a council committee may consist of, or include, persons who are not members of the council.

Note

A member of the council's staff is eligible for appointment as a member of a council committee (even though staff members are disqualified from membership of the council itself).

(4) The terms and conditions on which a person holds office as a member of a council committee are to be as determined by the council.

(5) The council may abolish a council committee.

Nature of committee's functions

(1) A council committee has the functions assigned to the committee by the council.

(2) The assigned functions may be of an executive or advisory nature.

(3) An executive committee carries out, on behalf of the council, functions delegated to it by the council.

Control and direction by the council

A council committee is subject to control and direction by the council.

Procedure

Subject to any direction by the council, a council committee may determine its own procedures.

Chapter 6 Meetings

Part 6.1 Council meetings
Nature and timing of council meetings

(1) A council must hold a meeting of its members (an ordinary meeting) at least once in each successive period of 2 months.

(2) Subject to this Act, a council may deal with business of any kind at an ordinary meeting.

(3) The first ordinary meeting of a council to be held after a general election must be held within 14 days after the conclusion of that general election.

(4) The council may hold a meeting to deal with a particular item of business (a special meeting) whenever circumstances require.

Convening of meetings

(1) Meetings of a council are convened by the CEO.

(2) The CEO must convene a special meeting of the council at a specified time and place to deal with specified business if:

(a) the principal member or 3 or more other members request the CEO in writing to convene the meeting; or

(b) the council resolves that the special meeting should be convened.

(3) If the CEO fails to convene a meeting required under this Act, a meeting may be convened by any member of the council.

(4) A notice convening a council meeting:

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) must state the date, time, place and agenda for the meeting; and

(i) in the case of an ordinary meeting – at least 3 business days before the date of the meeting; and

(ii) in the case of a special meeting – at least 4 hours before the time appointed for the meeting; and

(d) must be accessible on the council's website a reasonable time before the time appointed for the meeting; and

(e) must be posted on a notice board at the council's public office.

(5) The notice may be given to a member personally, by post, by email, by fax or in any other way pre-arranged by the CEO with the member.

Business to be considered at a meeting

An ordinary meeting may deal with business of any kind but a special meeting may deal only with the business for which the special meeting was convened unless all members are present at the special meeting and unanimously agree to deal with other business.

Procedure at meeting

(1) The Chair of a meeting of a council will be:

(a) if the principal member is present – the principal member; or

(b) if the principal member is not present but the deputy principal member is present – the deputy principal member; or

(c) if neither the principal member nor the deputy principal member is present but an acting principal member is present – the acting principal member; or

(d) if neither the principal member nor the deputy principal member is present and there is no acting principal member or the acting principal member is not present – a member chosen by the members present at the meeting to chair the meeting.

(2) A quorum at a meeting of a council consists of a majority of the council's members.

(3) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for a meeting, the meeting is postponed to a time and place to be fixed by the CEO and notified to the members.

(4) A member who is not physically present at a meeting of a council is taken to be present at the meeting if:

(a) the member's attendance at the meeting by means of an audio or audiovisual conferencing system is authorised in accordance with council policy; and

(b) communication is established by means of the conferencing system, at or around the commencement of the meeting, between the member and the members present at the place appointed for the meeting; and

(c) the member has the same or substantially the same opportunity to participate in debate, and to register an opinion, on questions arising for decision as if the member were physically present at the meeting.

(5) Subject to this Act, a decision carried by a majority of the votes of the members present at a meeting of a council is a decision of the council.

(6) Each member present at a meeting has one vote on a question arising for decision at the meeting and, if the council has a policy allowing the Chair to exercise a casting vote, the Chair may exercise, in the event of an equality of votes, a second or casting vote.

(7) A policy to allow the Chair to exercise a casting vote:

(a) may only be established by resolution of the council passed at the first meeting of the council to be held after a general election; and

(b) cannot be altered or revoked during the term of the council; and

(8) Unless the council decides unanimously to take a vote by secret ballot voting is to be by show of hands.

(9) Subject to this Act, and any by-laws regulating the procedure at a meeting, a council may determine its own procedures.

Part 6.2 Meetings of local boards and council committees
Timing of meetings of local boards and council committees

Subject to direction by the council, a local board or council committee meets at times determined by the local board or council committee.

Convening of meetings

(1) Meetings of a local board or council committee are convened by the CEO.

(2) The CEO may, at the request of the Chair of a local board or council committee, convene a meeting of the local board or committee.

(3) A notice convening a meeting:

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) must state the date, time, place and agenda for the meeting; and

(c) must be given to the members of the local board or council committee a reasonable time before the time appointed for the meeting; and

(d) must be accessible on the council's website a reasonable time before the time appointed for the meeting; and

(e) must be posted on a notice board at the council's public office.

(4) The notice may be given to a member personally, by post, by email, by fax or in any other way pre-arranged by the CEO with the member.

Procedure at meeting

(1) The Chair of a meeting of a local board or council committee will be:

(a) a member appointed by the council as the Chair of the local board or council committee; or

(b) if that member is not present – a member chosen by the members present at the meeting to chair the meeting.

(2) A quorum at a meeting of a local board or council committee consists of a majority of its members.

(3) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for a meeting, the meeting is postponed to a time and place to be fixed by the CEO and notified to the members.

(4) A member who is not physically present at a meeting is taken to be present at the meeting if:

(a) the member's attendance at the meeting by means of an audio or audiovisual conferencing system is authorised in accordance with council policy; and

(5) A decision of a local board or a council committee is to be by majority vote of the members present at a meeting.

(6) Subject to this Act, and any direction by the council, a local board or council committee may determine its own procedures.

Part 6.3 Provisions of general application to meetings of councils, local boards, and council committees
Meetings to be open to the public

(1) As a general rule, a meeting of a council, local board or council committee must be open to the public.

(2) However, the public may be excluded while business of a kind classified by the regulations as confidential business is being considered.

Postponement of meeting

(1) The CEO may, if it becomes impracticable to proceed with a meeting of a council, local board or council committee at the appointed time and place, postpone the meeting for up to 21 days.

(2) The CEO must ensure, as far as practicable, that each member receives notice of the postponement and of the time and place to which the meeting has been postponed.

Minutes

(1) The CEO must ensure that proper minutes of meetings of the council, local boards and council committees are kept.

(2) The minutes must:

(a) set out:

(i) the names of the members present at the meeting; and

(ii) the business transacted at the meeting; and

(iii) any other information required by the regulations; and

(b) include references to any written reports or recommendations considered in the course of the meeting together with information about how to obtain access to the reports or recommendations.

(3) The council, local board or council committee must, at its next meeting, or next ordinary meeting, confirm the minutes (with or without amendment) as a correct record of the meeting.

(4) A copy of the minutes must, within 10 business days after the date of the meeting to which they relate, be available to the public:

(a) on the council's website; and

(b) at the council's public office.

Note

Confidential matter may be suppressed from the material that is made publicly available under section 201.

(5) A member of the public:

(a) may inspect without fee, at the council's public office, the copy of the minutes made available to the public; and

(b) may, on payment of the appropriate fee fixed by the council, obtain an identical copy of the minutes; and

(c) may, on payment of the appropriate fee fixed by the council, obtain from the CEO a certified copy of, or extract from, the minutes of a meeting.

(6) However, until the council, local board or council committee has confirmed the minutes as a correct record of the meeting:

(a) the minutes, in the form in which they are made available to the public, must be marked with a warning to the effect that they have not been confirmed as a correct record of the meeting; and

(b) no certified copy of, or extract from, the minutes is to be issued.

Part 6.4 Meetings of electors
Calling meeting of electors

(1) A council may call a meeting of the electors for its area or a ward within its area.

(2) A local board may call a meeting of the electors for its local board area.

(3) A meeting of electors is called by giving notice of the time and place of the meeting:

(a) on the council's website; and

(b) by notice displayed at the council's public office; and

Procedure at meeting

(1) The Chair of a meeting of electors will be a person nominated by the council or the local board (as the case requires) to chair the meeting.

(2) The procedure at the meeting will, subject to any direction by the council or the local board be as determined by the Chair.

(3) Each elector is entitled to one vote on a question arising for decision at the meeting.

(4) The Chair may conclusively determine the qualification of a person present at the meeting to vote.

(5) A question arising for decision at the meeting will be resolved by majority vote.

Effect of resolution passed at meeting of electors

A resolution passed at a meeting of electors does not bind the council.

Chapter 7 Rights and obligations of members

Part 7.1 Allowances and expenses
Allowances

(1) A member of a council is entitled to be paid an allowance by the council.

(2) The allowance is to be at a rate fixed by the council (subject to guidelines issued by the Minister) for the relevant financial year.

(3) Allowances for each financial year are to be fixed as part of the council's budget for the relevant financial year.

(4) Differential allowances may be fixed for:

(a) the principal member; and

(b) the deputy principal member; and

(5) Allowances are to be paid as determined by the council but are not to be paid in advance.

Expenses

A council member is (subject to conditions and limitations determined by the council) entitled to payment or reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel and accommodation necessary for:

(a) attending a meeting of the council, a local board or a council committee; or

(b) attending to business of the council in accordance with a prior resolution of the council.

Part 7.2 Conflict of interest
Conflict of interest

(1) A member has a conflict of interest in a question arising for decision by the council, local board or council committee if the member or an associate of the member has a personal or financial interest in how the question is decided.

(2) This section does not apply if the interest is:

(a) an interest in a question about the level of allowances or expenses to be set for members; or

(b) an interest that the member or associate shares in common with the general public or a substantial section of the public; or

(c) an interest as an elector or ratepayer that the member or associate shares in common with other electors or ratepayers; or

(d) an interest that the member or an associate has in a non-profit body or association; or

(e) an interest of the member or an associate:

(i) in appointment or nomination for appointment to a body with predominantly charitable objects; or

(ii) in payment or reimbursement of membership fees, or expenses related to membership, in such a body; or

(f) an interest so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence a decision.

Disclosure of interest

(1) As soon as practicable after a member becomes aware of a conflict of interest in a question that has arisen or is about to arise before the council, local board or council committee, the member must disclose the personal or financial interest that gives rise to the conflict (the relevant interest):

(a) at a meeting of the council, local board or council committee; and

(b) to the CEO.

(2) The CEO must record the disclosure in a register of interests kept for the purpose.

(3) A member must not, without the Minister's approval:

(a) be present at a meeting of the council, the local board or council committee while a question in which the member has a conflict of interest is under consideration; or

(b) participate in any decision on the question.

(4) The Minister may approve a member's participation in the consideration of, or a decision on, a question in which the member has a conflict of interest on conditions the Minister thinks appropriate.

(5) A member is guilty of an offence if the member:

(a) fails to disclose an interest as required under subsection (1); or

(b) contravenes subsection (3) or a condition of an approval under subsection (4).

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

(6) If the Tribunal finds that a member has participated in the decision of the council, a local board or a council committee contrary to this section, the Tribunal may, on application by an elector or ratepayer, declare the decision void.

Part 7.3 Confidential information
Improper disclosure of information

(1) A person who discloses confidential information acquired as a member of a council, a local board or council committee is guilty of an offence.

Fault elements:

(a) the person makes the disclosure intentionally or recklessly; and

(b) the person knows or ought to know that the information is confidential.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2) However, this section does not prevent the disclosure of confidential information:

(a) for the purposes of carrying out functions as a member of the council, local board or council committee; or

(b) as authorised by the person to whom the duty of confidence is owed; or

(d) to a law enforcement agency; or

(e) to an inspector.

Improper use of information

(1) A person who makes improper use of information acquired as a member of a council, a local board or council committee is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2) A person makes improper use of information if the person uses it to gain some private benefit, or to inflict harm on another.

Part 7.4 Code of conduct

Division 1 Making or adoption of code of conduct
Obligation to have code of conduct

(1) A council must have a code of conduct.

(2) The code of conduct must govern the conduct of members of the council, members of local boards, and members of council committees.

(3) A council's code of conduct must be accessible on its website.

Making or adoption of code of conduct

(1) A council may, by ordinary resolution:

(a) make or adopt a code of conduct; or

(b) amend its code of conduct.

(2) Unless a council has a code of conduct that the council has itself made or adopted, the provisions set out in Schedule 2 constitute the council's code of conduct.

(3) If a code of conduct made or adopted by a council is in any respect less stringent than a provision in Schedule 2, the relevant provision of Schedule 2 applies as a provision of the council's code.

Division 2 Disciplinary proceedings
Complaints of breach of code of conduct

(1) A person (the complainant) who believes that a member has committed a breach of a council's code of conduct may lodge a complaint with the Agency:

(a) stating the name of the member alleged to have committed the breach (the respondent); and

(b) giving particulars of the alleged breach.

(2) The complaint:

(a) must be in the approved form; and

(b) must include a statutory declaration verifying the allegations of fact made against the respondent; and

(3) The Agency will refer the complaint to a disciplinary committee.

Establishment and composition of disciplinary committees

(1) The Minister may establish one or more disciplinary committees.

(2) A disciplinary committee consists of:

(a) a legal practitioner nominated by the Attorney-General; and

(b) a nominee of the Minister; and

Procedure of disciplinary committee

(1) A disciplinary committee to which a complaint is referred under this Division may summarily reject a complaint if it appears to the committee that:

(a) the complaint would more appropriately form the subject matter of a criminal charge; or

(b) the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or lacking in substance.

(2) If the disciplinary committee decides to proceed to hear the complaint, the committee must give the complainant and the respondent an opportunity to make representations to the committee.

(3) If the disciplinary committee is not satisfied, after hearing the parties, that the alleged breach of the code is established, it must reject the complaint.

(4) If the disciplinary committee is satisfied that the alleged breach of the code is established, it may:

(a) decide to take no disciplinary action; or

(b) administer a reprimand; or

(d) recommend to the Minister that the member be removed from office on disciplinary grounds.

(5) A fine imposed under subsection (4)(c) may be recovered as a debt due to the Territory.

Right of appeal

A party to proceedings before a disciplinary committee may appeal to the Tribunal against a decision of the committee in the proceedings.

Part 7.5 Removal from office on disciplinary grounds
Removal of member from office

The Minister may remove a member from office if:

(a) a disciplinary committee recommends the member's removal; or

(b) the member is convicted of an offence showing the member to be unfit to remain in office.

Chapter 8 Elections and polls

Part 8.1 General elections
Minister's power to call general election

(1) The Minister may call a general election for an area if:

(a) the area is newly constituted; or

(b) 2 or more areas are amalgamated; or

(c) a substantial change is made affecting the electoral representation of the area (such as the division of the area into wards, or some substantial change to the boundaries of the area or to wards within the area); or

(d) a general election fails for any reason.

(2) The general election is called by Gazette notice fixing a date for the election.

Periodic general elections

(1) Periodic general elections are to be held at intervals of 4 years commencing in March 2012.

(2) A periodic general election is to be held in the month of March on a day determined by the Minister and notified by Gazette notice.

(3) If a general election for an area is called by the Minister and is held within 1 year before the date fixed for a periodic general election under this section, no further general election for the area will be held on the later date.

Part 8.2 By-elections
By-elections

(1) If a casual vacancy occurs in the membership of a council more than 12 months before the end of the member's term, a by-election is to be held to fill the vacancy.

(2) If the member whose seat has become vacant represented a ward, the by-election is confined to the ward.

(3) A by-election is to be held on a date fixed by the returning officer for the relevant area.

(4) The date must fall within 3 months after the returning officer receives notice of a casual vacancy in the membership of the council for which a by-election is required.

Part 8.3 Electors and electoral rolls
Entitlement to vote

A person is entitled to vote at an election, or poll of electors if enrolled as an elector for the area or ward in which the election or poll is to be conducted on the date on which the electoral roll for the election or poll closes.

Electoral rolls

(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare a new roll for an area or ward whenever it is necessary to do so in order to allow for the conduct of an election or poll of electors.

(2) If the address of an elector is suppressed from a roll prepared under the Electoral Act, it must also be suppressed from the roll prepared for this Act.

(3) The Electoral Commission must make the roll available to the returning officer as soon as practicable after the close of the roll for the election or poll.

(4) An electoral roll closes for an election or a poll of electors on a date determined in accordance with the regulations.

(5) When an electoral roll closes, it must be available for public inspection until the conclusion of the election or poll at the Electoral Commission's public offices.

(6) Access is to be permitted to the electoral roll for the area or ward on the same basis as access to a roll under the Electoral Act.

Part 8.4 Conduct of elections
Conduct of elections and polls

An election or poll of electors is to be conducted in accordance with the regulations.

Voting

(1) Voting is to be compulsory.

(2) Subject to the regulations, an elector may vote:

(a) by returning a postal vote; or

(b) if the Minister approves – by voting electronically in a manner approved by the Minister; or

(d) in any other way authorised by regulation.

(3) An elector who fails, without reasonable excuse, to vote at an election or poll is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.

Part 8.5 Electoral disputes
Disputing validity of election or poll

(1) A person with a proper interest in the result of an election or poll may, by application to the Tribunal, dispute the result of the election or poll.

(2) A person has a proper interest in the result of an election or poll if the person:

(a) was a candidate for election or a prospective candidate whose nomination was rejected; or

(b) is an elector for the relevant area; or

(3) An application disputing the result of an election:

(a) must state the grounds on which the applicant seeks relief from the Tribunal; and

(b) must state the nature of the remedy sought by the applicant.

(4) An application must be filed with the Registrar of the Tribunal within 21 days after the conclusion of the election to which it relates.

Service of application

(1) An application disputing the result of an election or poll must be served on:

(a) the returning officer for the area; and

(b) any member or candidate for election whose position could be affected by the result of the application; and

(2) A person on whom an application is served is a respondent to the application.

(3) A respondent may, within 7 days after service of the application or a longer period allowed by the Tribunal, file in the Tribunal a reply to the application.

(4) A reply must be served on the applicant and any other respondents.

Inquiries by Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal must inquire into the matters raised in an application.

(2) However:

(a) the Tribunal may, if it considers an application frivolous, vexatious, or lacking in substance, dismiss the application without further inquiry; and

(b) the Tribunal cannot inquire into the correctness of an electoral roll.

Powers of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal has the following powers:

(a) the Tribunal may declare the election or poll void and order another election;

(b) the Tribunal may declare a person who should have been declared elected to have been duly elected as a member of the council;

(2) The Tribunal is not to disturb the result of an election on the ground of an error affecting the conduct of the election unless satisfied that the error is a material error that is likely to have affected the result of the election.

(3) If, in the course of an inquiry under this Part, the Tribunal finds that a person has committed an offence, the Registrar must, as soon as practicable, report the finding to the Minister.

Exclusive method of challenge

The validity or result of an election or poll cannot be challenged except by proceedings under this Part.

Part 8.6 Miscellaneous
Minister's powers in relation to election

(1) The Minister may (before or after the expiration of a relevant time limit) extend the time for holding an election, or for taking any step in relation to the holding of an election.

(2) The Minister may appoint a person to be the returning officer for a particular election.

Interference with proper conduct of election or poll

(1) A person must not obstruct, or interfere with, the proper conduct of an election or poll.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2) A person must not, by violence or intimidation, influence the vote of an elector at an election or poll.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(3) A person must not, in the course of carrying out official functions related to an election or poll, attempt to influence the vote of an elector.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

Secrecy of vote

A person who, in the course of carrying out official functions, or assisting a voter to vote, finds out how a voter voted, must not disclose the vote.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year.

Electoral campaign material

(1) A person must not publish electoral campaign material unless the name of the person who authorises publication is published at the end of the material.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(2) A person must not publish electoral campaign material that is untrue or misleading.

Fault element: Intention to mislead.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(3) This section extends to publication:

(a) on the internet; or

(b) by newspaper, radio or television; or

Chapter 9 Council staff

Part 9.1 Council's CEO
CEO

(1) A council must have a CEO and may have a Deputy CEO.

(2) If the CEO is absent or unavailable to carry out official duties:

(a) the Deputy CEO, if there is a Deputy who is available to act, acts as CEO; and

(b) if there is no Deputy CEO, or the Deputy is absent or unavailable to act, a person nominated by the CEO to act in that situation acts as CEO.

(3) The CEO must notify the principal member of the council of a nomination made by the CEO under subsection (2)(b).

(4) Appointments to the office of CEO are to be made, as occasion requires, by the council in accordance with the relevant Ministerial guidelines.

Role of CEO

The CEO is responsible to the council:

(a) to ensure that the council's policies, plans and lawful decisions are implemented; and

(b) to undertake the day-to-day management of the council's operations (including the management of council staff); and

(c) to provide or obtain for the council the information and advice the council reasonably requires for effectively carrying out its functions; and

(d) to ensure that the council's constituency is kept properly informed about council policies, programs and decisions and to ensure that appropriate and prompt responses are given to specific requests for information; and

(e) to ensure that the council's assets and resources are properly managed and maintained; and

(f) to ensure that proper standards of financial management are maintained and, in particular, proper controls over expenditure; and

(g) to ensure that financial and other records are properly made and maintained; and

(h) to appoint, manage and, where necessary, terminate the appointment of council staff (other than the CEO); and

(i) to carry out other functions delegated to the CEO by the council or assigned to the CEO under this or any other Act.

Delegation by CEO

The CEO may delegate (or sub-delegate) a power or function to a person or committee.

Part 9.2 Other staff
Other staff of the council

The CEO is responsible for the appointment of staff in accordance with a staffing plan approved by the council.

Part 9.3 Principles and policies
Principles of human resource management

A council must ensure that its policies on human resource management give effect to the following principles:

(a) selection processes for appointment or promotion:

(i) must be based on merit; and

(ii) must be fair and equitable;

(b) staff must have reasonable access to training and development and opportunities for advancement and promotion;

(d) there must be suitable processes for dealing with employment-related grievances;

(e) working conditions must be safe and healthy;

(f) there must be:

(i) no unlawful discrimination against a member, or potential member of staff on the ground of sex, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual impairment, age or any other ground; and

(ii) no other form of unreasonable or otherwise unjustifiable discrimination against a member or potential member of staff.

Statement of employment policies

(1) The CEO must maintain an up-to-date statement of the council's employment policies.

(2) The statement of employment policies:

(a) must cover:

(i) recruitment; and

(ii) probation and performance assessment; and

(iii) promotion; and

(iv) access to employment-related benefits; and

(v) resolution of employment-related grievances; and

(b) may cover other employment-related subjects.

(3) The statement of employment policies must be consistent with the principles of human resource management.

Part 9.4 Staff obligations
Standards to be observed by council staff

The CEO and other members of a council's staff must maintain proper standards of integrity, diligence and concern for the public interest.

Conflict of interest

(1) A staff member who has a personal or financial interest in a matter in regard to which the member is required or authorised to act or give advice:

(a) must disclose the interest:

(i) if the staff member is the CEO – to the council; or

(ii) in any other case – to the CEO; and

(b) must not act in the matter except as authorised by the CEO or the council (as the case requires).

Fault element: This is, subject to the defence provided by subsection (2), an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(2) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1) to prove that the defendant was unaware of the personal or financial interest.

(3) A reference in this section to a staff member extends to:

(a) a person who is not an employee but works for, or provides services to, the council on a contract basis; or

(b) a person who works for the council under an arrangement with a labour hire agency; or

(c) a person (other than a member of the council, a local board, or a council committee) acting under powers of the council conferred by delegation.

Disclosure of confidential information

(1) A staff member must not disclose confidential information obtained in the course of the staff member's work except as may be required for the staff member's official duties.

Fault elements:

(a) the staff member makes the disclosure intentionally or recklessly; and

(b) the staff member knows or ought to know that the information is confidential.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(2) A staff member must not make improper use of confidential information obtained in the course of the staff member's work.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

(3) A staff member makes improper use of information if the staff member uses it to gain some private benefit, or to inflict harm on another.

(4) A reference in this section to a staff member extends to:

(a) a person who is not an employee but works for, or provides services to, the council on a contract basis; or

(b) a person who works for the council under an arrangement with a labour hire agency; or

(c) a person (other than a member of the council, a local board, or a council committee) acting under powers of the council conferred by delegation.

Part 9.5 Rights and immunities of staff
Portability of long service leave rights

(1) A person (the applicant), who leaves the employment of one employer to which this section applies (the former employer) and enters the employment of another (the later employer) within 3 months, may, by notice to both employers, elect to transfer accrued and accruing rights to long service leave to the later employment.

(2) The former employer must, on receiving notice under this section:

(a) inform the later employer of the applicant's accrued and accruing rights to long service leave as appear from the former employer's records; and

(b) pay to the later employer the amount of the provision for long service leave in the former employer's accounts.

(3) This section applies to the following employers:

(a) a council for an area within the Territory;

(b) a council subsidiary formed with the Minister's approval under this Act;

Resignation to contest election

(1) If:

(a) a staff member:

(i) resigns in order to stand as a candidate for election to the council, the Legislative Assembly or the Commonwealth House of Representatives or the Senate; and

(ii) gives the CEO written notice at the time of resignation that the staff member claims the benefit of this section; and

(b) the resignation takes effect not more than 28 days before the close of nominations for the relevant election; and

(c) the former staff member is not elected, and applies to the CEO to be reinstated within 7 days after the result of the election is known;

the former staff member must be reinstated to the staff member's former position or an equivalent position.

(2) A staff member reinstated under subsection (1) is to be treated as having been on unpaid leave between the date of resignation and the date of reinstatement.

Immunity from personal liability

(1) No civil or criminal liability attaches to a staff member for an honest act or omission in the performance, or purported performance, of official functions under this or another Act.

(2) A civil liability that would, but for this section, attach to a staff member, attaches instead to the council.

Part 9.6 Authorised persons

Division 1 Appointment of authorised persons
Appointment of authorised persons

(1) A council may appoint a person (other than a member of the council) as an authorised person.

(2) An appointment may be subject to limitations and conditions specified in the instrument of appointment.

(3) The council may, by notice to the authorised person;

(a) add to, or vary, the limitations and conditions of appointment; or

(b) revoke the appointment.

Powers of authorised persons

An authorised person is, subject to limitations and conditions of appointment, authorised to exercise the powers conferred on an authorised person by or under this Act.

Identity cards for authorised persons

(1) The council must issue each authorised person with an identity card:

(a) containing the person's name and a photograph of the person; and

(b) stating that the person is an authorised person.

(2) The authorised person must, at the reasonable request of a person, produce the identity card for inspection.

(3) A person must, on ceasing to be an authorised person, return the identity card to the council.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Division 2 General powers of authorised person
Power to require statement of name and address

(1) If an authorised person reasonably suspects a person of having committed an offence against this Act or the council's by-laws, the authorised person may require the person:

(a) to state the person's name and address; and

(b) if the authorised person considers further evidence of identity necessary – to provide further evidence of a specified kind of identity.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement under this section.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Power to enter land or premises

(1) An authorised person may, with the necessary authority, enter land or premises for an authorised purpose and remain on the land or premises for as long as may be necessary for that purpose.

(2) The necessary authority is:

(a) the consent of the occupier; or

(b) a warrant issued by a Justice; or

(3) A Justice may, if satisfied by information verified by oath or affirmation, that there are reasonable grounds on which an authorised person should be authorised to enter land or premises to carry out an authorised purpose, the Justice may issue a warrant accordingly.

(4) An authorised purpose is any one or more of the following:

(a) investigating a suspected offence against this Act or a by-law;

(b) taking necessary action in an emergency:

(i) to protect the health of, or prevent injury to, a person or animal; or

(ii) to relieve the suffering of an animal; or

(iii) to seize or destroy a savage, diseased or injured animal;

(d) exercising any other power conferred on an authorised person by this Act or a by-law.

Assistance of police

An authorised person may call on a member of the Police Force for assistance in the exercise of powers under this Act (or a by-law).

Division 3 Obstruction of authorised person
Obstruction

A person is guilty of an offence if the person hinders or obstructs an authorised person in the exercise of powers under this Act (or a
by-law).

Fault elements:

(a) an intention to hinder or obstruct; and

(b) knowledge that the person who is hindered or obstructed is acting in an official capacity.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

Chapter 10 Financial management

Part 10.1 Receipt and expenditure of money
Authorised deposit accounts

(1) A council may establish such authorised deposit accounts as may be necessary for proper financial administration.

(2) All money received by a council must be paid into an authorised deposit account, and all expenditure made by a council must be made from an authorised deposit account.

Segregation of certain money

(1) Trust money must be kept separate from the general funds of the council but money subject to different trusts may be kept together in a common authorised deposit account (to be designated as a trust account).

(2) If a council receives funds for a particular purpose, the funds may only be used for that purpose unless the provider of the funds authorises use of the funds for some other purpose.

Note

If money is given on trust, this provision is not intended to limit the power of the Supreme Court to vary the terms of trust (See section 181).

Part 10.2 Investment
Investment

(1) A council may invest money not immediately required for the purposes of the council.

(2) The Minister may, after consultation with the Treasurer, issue investment guidelines from time to time.

(3) An investment must be consistent with guidelines in force at the time the investment is made.

Part 10.3 Council borrowing
Meaning of borrowing

A council borrows money if the council obtains any form of financial accommodation.

Examples

1 The financial accommodation might take the form of an overdraft or a loan of some other kind.

2 If a council acquires possession of goods under a hire-purchase agreement, a finance lease or an instalment purchase arrangement, the council is taken to borrow money equivalent to the present value of the future consideration to be paid by the council under the agreement, lease or arrangement.

Council's power to borrow

A council may borrow money but only with the Minister's approval (to be given only after consultation with the Treasurer).

Exceptions:

1 The Minister's approval is not required for an advance on overdraft if:

(a) the term of the advance does not exceed 2 months; and

(b) the amount of the advance does not exceed 2% of the council's total revenue income for the last financial year for which the council has an audited financial statement.

2 The Minister's approval is not required for a transaction classified as a minor transaction under guidelines issued by the Minister.

Security for borrowing

(1) A council may, with the Minister's approval, give security for a borrowing in the nature of a mortgage or charge over property of the council.

(2) The property over which a security is granted may consist of or include (present and future) general revenue of the council.

(3) The Minister will not approve a security over property if, in the Minister's opinion, it is essential that the property be retained in the ownership of the council.

(4) The Minister must consult with the Treasurer before approving a security under this section.

Security over general revenue

(1) If a council defaults on an obligation secured on the general revenue of the council, the Supreme Court may, on application by the holder of the security or a trustee for holders of the security:

(a) make one or both of the following orders:

(i) an order requiring the council to appropriate a specified portion of its revenue to the satisfaction of its obligations;

(ii) an order requiring the council to raise a specified amount by way of rates and directing that the amount raised be applied towards satisfaction of the council's obligations; and

(b) give incidental or ancillary directions.

(2) The rights conferred by subsection (1) are in addition to other rights (if any) conferred by the security.

Part 10.4 Long-term financial plans
Long-term financial plan

(1) A council must prepare and keep up-to-date a long-term financial plan.

(2) A long-term financial plan must relate to a period of at least 4 financial years.

(3) A long-term financial plan must contain:

(a) a statement of the major initiatives the council proposes to undertake during the period to which the plan relates; and

(b) projections of income and expenditure for each financial year of the period to which the plan relates; and

(c) the council's proposals for the repair, maintenance, management and development of infrastructure for each financial year of the period to which the plan relates.

(4) A long-term financial plan should be consistent with the Regional Management Plan (if applicable).

(5) The council must provide the Agency with a copy of its long-term financial plan by 31 July in the first financial year to which the plan relates.

Part 10.5 Annual budgets
Annual budgets

(1) A council must prepare a budget for each financial year.

(2) The budget for a particular financial year must:

(a) outline:

(i) the council's objectives for the relevant financial year; and

(ii) the measures the council proposes to take, during the financial year, towards achieving those objectives; and

(iii) the indicators the council intends to use as a means of assessing its efficiency in achieving its objectives; and

(b) contain estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year (differentiating between operating and capital expenditure); and

(c) state the amount to be allocated to the development and maintenance of each class of infrastructure for the financial year; and

(d) state the amount the council proposes to raise by way of rates, and set out the rates structure, for the financial year; and

(e) contain an assessment of the social and economic effects of its rating policies; and

(f) state the allowances for members of the council for the financial year and the amount budgeted to cover payment of those allowances.

(3) Subject to the regulations, a council must not budget for a deficit unless the Minister approves.

Adoption of budget or amendment

(1) A council must adopt its budget for a particular financial year on or before 31 July in the relevant financial year.

(2) A council may, after adopting its budget for a particular financial year, adopt an amendment to its budget (but once allowances for the members of the council for a particular financial year have been set, they cannot be changed by amendment).

(3) As soon as practicable after adopting its budget, or an amendment to its budget, for a particular financial year, a council must:

(a) publish the budget or the amendment as adopted on the council's website; and

(b) notify the Agency in writing of the adoption of the budget or amendment; and

(c) publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the area informing the public that copies of the budget or amendment may be downloaded from the council's website or obtained from the council's public office.

(4) The council's budget forms part of the council's municipal or shire plan.

Part 10.6 Accounting records
Accounting records

(1) A council must keep accounting records that give a true and fair view of:

(a) the council's receipts and payments; and

(b) the council's assets and liabilities.

(2) The records must be kept in accordance with the accounting standards and other requirements stipulated by the regulations.

Availability of records for inspection

(1) The accounting records must be available for inspection at any reasonable time by:

(a) the council's auditor; or

(b) an inspector.

(2) Subject to the council's privacy policy, the accounting records must also be available for inspection at any reasonable time by a member of the council.

(3) A council must have a privacy policy protecting members and staff of the council from undue intrusion into their private affairs.

Example

The privacy policy might limit the inspection of payroll records by members of a council.

Part 10.7 Annual financial statement
Annual financial statement

(1) A council must prepare a financial statement for each financial year.

(2) The annual financial statement must give a true and fair view of:

(a) the council's revenue and expenditure for the financial year; and

(b) the council's assets and liabilities as at the end of the financial year.

(3) The annual financial statement must conform with the accounting standards and other requirements stipulated in the regulations.

Reference of annual financial statement for audit

The annual financial statement must be prepared, and referred to the council's auditor for audit:

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the relevant financial year; and

(b) in any event, in time to ensure that the audited statement will be available no later than 15 November in the calendar year in which the financial year ends.

Part 10.8 Audit

Division 1 Auditor
Auditor

(1) A council must have an auditor.

(2) The auditor must be:

(a) the Auditor-General; or

(b) a registered company auditor or an authorised audit company; or

(3) A person is not eligible to be the auditor if:

(a) the person is a member or a candidate for election as a member of the council; or

(b) holds any other office or position with the council.

(4) The council must, in the instrument of the auditor's appointment:

(a) fix the term of appointment (which must not be less than 2 nor more than 5 years); and

(b) fix the basis of the auditor's remuneration.

(5) The office of auditor becomes vacant if:

(a) the auditor dies; or

(b) the auditor resigns by written notice to the CEO; or

(c) the auditor becomes a candidate for election as a member of the council or accepts some other remunerated office or position with the council; or

(d) the auditor's term of office comes to an end and the auditor is not re-appointed; or

(e) the auditor is removed from office by the council with the Minister's consent.

Appointment by the Minister

(1) If a council fails to appoint an auditor, the Minister may make an appointment on behalf of the council.

(2) An auditor appointed under subsection (1) is to be paid fees fixed by the Minister.

Division 2 Audit
Annual audit

(1) The auditor must, as soon as practicable after the council's annual financial statement is referred to the auditor for audit:

(a) audit the statement; and

(b) report to the council on the results of the audit and, in particular, on any material irregularity in the council's accounting practices or the management of the council's financial affairs identified in the course of the audit; and

(c) report to the Minister on any evidence found in the course of the audit of a contravention of the law or serious financial irregularity.

(2) The audit is to be carried out in accordance with the Australian auditing standards and requirements stipulated in the regulations.

Other audits

The auditor must carry out any other audits of the council's financial affairs that may be required under the regulations.

Assistance to be provided to the auditor

(1) The auditor may ask the CEO or another member of the council's staff:

(a) to produce financial records; or

(b) to answer questions relevant to the council's financial affairs.

(2) A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a request under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

Part 10.9 Rectification orders
Power of Minister to make rectification order

(1) If the Minister is of the opinion that an irregularity has occurred, or is occurring, in the administration of a council's financial affairs, the Minister may, by order (a rectification order) given in writing to the council, require the council to take specified action to correct the irregularity or to guard against the recurrence of irregularities (or both).

(2) A rectification order must fix a date for compliance (the compliance date).

(3) The Minister may, on application by the council, postpone the compliance date from time to time.

Non-compliance with order

(1) If a council fails to comply with a rectification order by the compliance date, each member of the council is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(2) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (1) to prove that the defendant acted with reasonable diligence to secure compliance by the council.

Chapter 11 Rates and charges

Part 11.1 Rateability
Categorisation of land

The land in a local government area is divided into 3 basic categories:

(a) rateable land; and

(b) conditionally rateable land; and

Rateable land

All land within a local government area is rateable unless it is:

(a) conditionally rateable land for which there is no approved rating proposal currently in force; or

(b) exempt land.

Conditionally rateable land

(1) The following land is conditionally rateable:

(a) land held under a pastoral lease;

(b) land occupied under a mining tenement;

(2) Conditionally rateable land is only rateable in accordance with a rating proposal approved by the Minister at least 1 month before the commencement of the financial year for which the rates are declared.

(3) A rating proposal:

(a) must contain the information required by the Minister's guidelines; and

(b) must be submitted to the Minister for approval at least 4 months before the commencement of the financial year to which the proposal relates.

(4) The Minister:

(a) must respond to a rating proposal within 20 business days after receiving it; and

(b) may in the response:

(i) approve the rating proposal in the form submitted by the council: or

(ii) approve the rating proposal with amendments the Minister considers appropriate; or

(iii) reject the rating proposal.

(5) Before the Minister approves a rating proposal, the Minister must consult with the Minister responsible for the pastoral sector and the Minister responsible for the Mining sector.

(6) An approved rating proposal must be published in the form in which it is approved by the Minister:

(a) on the Agency's website; and

(b) on the council's website.

(7) While an approved rating proposal remains in force:

(a) conditionally rateable land within the ambit of the approved proposal is to be regarded as rateable land; and

(b) conditionally rateable land outside the ambit of the approved proposal is not to be regarded as rateable land.

(8) If there is no approved rating proposal in force for a local government area, conditionally rateable land within the area will not be regarded as rateable land.

Urban farm land

(1) The owner or occupier of land within a council area may apply to the council for classification of the land as urban farm land.

(2) Land is not eligible for classification as urban farm land unless:

(a) its area is more than 0.8 of a hectare; and

(b) it is used by the occupier for carrying on a prescribed business or industry; and

(3) An application for classification of land as urban farm land must be accompanied by information required by the council to show that the eligibility criteria are satisfied.

(4) The owner or occupier of land classified as urban farm land must, if so required by the council, provide the council with information required by the council to show that the eligibility criteria continue to be satisfied.

(5) If an owner or occupier fails to provide, within the time allowed by the council, the information required by the council under subsection (4), or the information provided does not, in the council's opinion, establish that the eligibility criteria continue to be satisfied, the council must declassify the land as urban farm land.

Exempt land

(1) The following land is exempt from rates:

(a) Crown land occupied by the Territory for a public purpose (other than the provision of public housing);

(b) land of the council, other than such land leased for a purpose that does not give rise to an exemption under some other provision of this section;

(i) a park, garden or reserve; or

(ii) a playground or sports ground; or

(iii) a cemetery; or

(iv) a road;

(d) land belonging to a religious body consisting of:

(i) a church or other place of public worship; or

(ii) a place of residence for a minister of religion associated with a church or other place of public worship; or

(iii) a place of residence for the official head in the Territory of the religious body; or

(iv) an institution for religious teaching or training;

(e) a public hospital;

(f) land used for a non-commercial purpose by a public benevolent institution or a public charity;

(g) a kindergarten, pre-school, school, university or other tertiary educational institution;

(h) land recognised by the council as a youth centre;

(i) a public library or public museum;

(j) the common property in a units plan or building development plan registered under the Real Property (Unit Titles) Act;

(k) land exempted from rates under another Act.

(2) If land is used for 2 or more different purposes, and 1 or more but not all the purposes are exempt, the land is not exempt from rates unless the non-exempt purpose is merely incidental to the exempt purpose.

Example

An allotment consists of a public museum containing a cafeteria. The existence of the cafeteria would not negative the exemption. However, if it were a restaurant attracting customers in its own right, it would do so.

(3) In deciding whether land is used for a commercial or
non-commercial purpose, the fact that the user is a public benevolent institution or a public charity is irrelevant: the question is to be decided according to the nature of the use and not the nature of the user.

Special cases

(1) Land of the Commonwealth is only rateable if the Commonwealth agrees and, in that event, it is rateable on conditions agreed by the Commonwealth.

Example

The Commonwealth might agree that an occupier of land under a lease from the Commonwealth is to be liable for rates.

(2) A Land Trust is not liable to rates but:

(a) an occupier of land owned by the Land Trust (other than the Trust itself) is liable to rates; and

(b) if land owned by the Trust is held under a lease from the Trust, the leasehold estate constitutes the rateable land for the purposes of this Act.

(3) An Aboriginal community living area association is not liable to rates but:

(a) an occupier of land owned by the association (other than the association itself) is liable to rates; and

(b) if land owned by the association is held under a lease from the association, the leasehold estate constitutes the rateable land for the purposes of this Act.

(4) Land owned by a Land Trust or an Aboriginal community living area association:

(a) is not subject to the provisions of this Chapter under which overdue rates become a charge on the land to which they relate; and

(b) is not liable to be sold for non-payment of rates.

Note

This subsection does not, however, protect a leasehold estate from such a charge or from being sold for non-payment of rates.

Apportionment where land rateable for part only of a financial year

(1) If land becomes rateable during the course of a financial year, or ceases to be rateable during the course of a financial year:

(a) the land is liable to rates for the financial year; but

(b) the amount of the liability is reduced to a proportion of the rates that would have been payable if the land had been rateable for the whole of the financial year.

(2) The proportion is the proportion between the period for which the land is rateable (expressed in days) and the number of days in the financial year.

(3) A council must make any refund or remission of rates necessary to give effect to this section.

Part 11.2 Basis for assessment of rates
Allotments

(1) An allotment is a parcel or part of a parcel of land for which a council proposes to make a separate assessment of rates (and includes a unit or lot created by registration of a plan under the Real Property (Unit Titles) Act or the Unit Titles Act).

(2) A council may only divide a parcel of land that is subject to the same ownership into separate allotments if:

(a) the allotments are subject to separate occupation; or

(b) the allotments fall within different zones; or

Example

If land consists of a block of flats in the same ownership but separately occupied, the council could either treat the block of flats as a single allotment and determine rates for the whole, or disaggregate it into the separate flats and determine rates for each flat.

Basis of rates

(1) Rates may consist of:

(a) a fixed amount (a fixed charge) for each allotment; or

(b) an amount (a valuation-based charge) calculated as a proportion of the assessed value of each allotment; or

(i) fixed charges (for different purposes); or

(ii) a fixed charge (or fixed charges) and a valuation-based charge.

(2) If rates consist of, or include, a valuation-based charge, the charge may be subject to a specified minimum (a minimum charge).

Example

A valuation based charge might be expressed as a specified proportion of assessed value or $100 (whichever is the greater amount).

(3) Differential fixed charges, differential valuation-based charges, and differential minimum charges may be fixed for:

(a) allotments within different parts of the local government area; or

Example

The rates for land within different planning zones might be based on differential components.

(b) different classes of allotments.

Example

If land is divided under the Unit Titles Act into small allotments (such as self-storage units or marina berths), and the council considers it inequitable to apply the minimum charge otherwise applicable to land within the area to the small allotments, the council could fix a different and lesser minimum for the small allotments.

(4) If an allotment is divided into separate parts or units that are adapted for separate occupation or use, a minimum charge may consist of a fixed amount to be multiplied by the number of separate parts or units.

Example

If an allotment consists of a block of flats in separate occupation, the minimum charge could consist of a fixed amount to be multiplied by the number of flats comprised in the complex.

Basis of assessed value

(1) A council may adopt unimproved capital value, improved capital value, or annual value as the basis of the assessed value of allotments within its area or part of its area.

(2) The assessed value of land is the unimproved capital value, the improved capital value or the annual value of the land (according to whichever basis of valuation has been adopted by the council for the land) as it appears from the valuation roll.

Part 11.3 Liability for rates
Joint and several liability

(1) The owner and the occupier (if not the owner) of an allotment are jointly and severally liable for rates payable in respect of an allotment.

Note

It should be noted that joint and several liability does not increase the liability to rates. Take (for example) the case of an allotment on which the council imposes rates amounting to $600. Suppose that A and B are both ratepayers and jointly and severally liable for the rates. The council cannot, by seeking recovery from each separately, recover a total of $1 200. The aggregate liability remains the same (ie $600.). It follows that an amount received or recovered by the council from A reduces B's liability to the council as well.

(2) However, an occupier of an allotment (if not an owner) does not become liable for rates in respect of the allotment unless:

(a) the occupier's name is entered in the assessment record, on the occupier's own application, as the principal ratepayer for the allotment; or

(b) the council gives the occupier written notice that it proposes to seek recovery of rates from the occupier.

(3) If notice is given under subsection (2)(b) in the course of a financial year, the occupier is only liable for a proportionate part of the rates for that financial year.

Principal ratepayer for an allotment

(1) The owner of an allotment is the principal ratepayer for the allotment but, if the owner is not liable to rates, the occupier is, if liable to rates for the allotment, the principal ratepayer for the allotment.

Note

In the case of an allotment owned by a Land Trust, the Trust itself is not liable to rates so the lessee (if there is a lessee) is treated under this Act as the owner and hence the principal ratepayer for the allotment. If there is no lessee, the occupier may be liable for rates (See section 150(2)) and, if so, would be the principal ratepayer for the allotment.

(2) However, the principle stated in subsection (1) is subject to the following qualifications:

(a) the CEO may, on the application of an occupier who would not be the principal ratepayer in accordance with subsection (1), designate the ratepayer in the assessment record as the principal ratepayer for an allotment;

(b) if 2 or more ratepayers would, in accordance with subsection (1), be the principal ratepayer for an allotment, the CEO may designate 1 or more of them in the assessment record as the principal ratepayer for the allotment.

(3) A ratepayer designated under subsection (2) as the principal ratepayer for an allotment is the principal ratepayer to the exclusion of others.

Note

The designation is subject to reconsideration and review (See section 154).

(4) If rates are paid by, or recovered from, a ratepayer who is not the principal ratepayer for an allotment, the ratepayer may, subject to any relevant agreement, recover the amount from the principal ratepayer or set the amount off against any liability owed to the principal ratepayer.

Part 11.4 Assessment record
Assessment record

(1) The council must maintain an assessment record.

(2) The assessment record must contain:

(a) a brief description of each allotment within the area and a statement of its assessed value; and

(b) if a charge is imposed on non-rateable land in the area – a brief description of the land; and

(d) if the owner is not the principal ratepayer for the land – the name and address of the principal ratepayer; and

(e) if the land is subject to a differential rate on the basis of its use – the land use; and

(f) other information the council directs to be included in the record.

(3) The assessment record may be kept by computer.

(4) A copy of the assessment record must be available for inspection, free of charge, by any member of the public at the council's public office.

(5) The CEO must, at the request of a person to whom an entry in the assessment record relates, suppress the person's name or address (or both) from the publicly accessible copy of the record.

Notifications to be given by ratepayers

(1) A person who becomes the principal ratepayer for a particular allotment within a council area must, within 28 days of doing so, give the CEO written notice of that fact and of the person's postal address.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(2) If the principal ratepayer's postal address changes, the principal ratepayer must, within 28 days of the change, give the CEO written notice of the new address.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(3) A person who ceases to be the principal ratepayer for a particular allotment within a council area must, within 28 days of doing so, give the CEO written notice of that fact.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(4) However, notification is not required under subsection (1) or (3) if the person becomes, or ceases to be, the principal ratepayer for an allotment as a result of a transaction that is registered under the Land Title Act.

Correction of record

(1) A person may apply to the council for the correction of an entry in the assessment record.

(2) The application may be made on any one or more of the following grounds:

(a) the entry wrongly classifies an allotment that is not rateable as rateable land;

(b) the entry should, but does not, classify an allotment as urban farm land;

(d) the entry contains some other relevant misclassification or misdescription of an allotment;

(e) the entry wrongly records ownership or occupation of an allotment;

(f) the entry wrongly designates the applicant as principal ratepayer for an allotment;

(g) the entry contains some other relevant error.

(3) The application:

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) must state the applicant's interest in the allotment to which the application relates; and

(4) If the application is uncontroversial, the CEO may decide the application on behalf of the council but, if it raises matters of possible controversy, the application is to be dealt with by the council or a council committee.

(5) The CEO must notify the applicant, in writing, of the decision on the application as soon as practicable.

(6) If the council or council committee decides to reject the application in whole or part, the decision is reviewable.

Part 11.5 Imposition of rates and charges

Division 1 General and special rates
General rates

(1) A council must, on or before 31 July in each year, declare rates (general rates) on allotments throughout the area to raise the amount the council intends to raise for general purposes for the financial year.

(2) The council may, at the same time, raise an amount towards a special purpose.

(3) The declaration must state:

(a) the amount to be raised for general purposes and, if an amount is to be raised for a special purpose, the amount to be raised for the special purpose; and

(b) the basis or bases of the rates; and

Special rates

(1) A council may at any time declare rates for a particular purpose (special rates).

(2) If special rates are imposed for the benefit of a particular part of the area, they may be limited to allotments within the relevant part of the area.

(3) A declaration under this section must:

(a) state the purpose for which the special rates are imposed; and

(b) state the amount to be raised; and

(d) state whether the special rates are imposed on rateable property generally, or on rateable property within a particular part of the area and, if they are limited to a particular part of the area, identify the relevant part.

Division 2 Charges
Imposition of charges

(1) If a council carries out work, or provides services, for the benefit of land, or the occupiers of land, within its area, the council may declare a charge on the land.

(2) A declaration of a charge must:

(a) state the amount or basis of the charge; and

(b) identify the land to which the charge will apply.

(3) The amount of a charge need not be limited to the cost of providing the service.

(4) Subject to the following exceptions, the provisions of this Chapter applicable to rates apply with necessary adaptations and modifications to charges imposed under this section.

Exceptions

1 A charge may be imposed on land that is not liable to rates (including land that is exempt from rates).

2 A charge may have a reasonable basis that differs from rates.

Example

A charge to recover the cost of kerbing might consist of an amount per metre of the frontage of an allotment.

3 The provisions for rate concessions do not apply to charges.

Part 11.6 General and particular notice
Public notice

(1) Within 21 days after declaring rates, the council must publish notice of the rates:

(a) on its website; and

(b) in a newspaper circulating generally in the council's area.

(2) The notice must:

(a) give details of the rates; and

(b) state the date on which payment of the rates will fall due and, if the council has resolved to allow payment by instalment, the date on which each instalment will fall due for payment; and

(c) give details of any discount or other concession or benefit the council has resolved to allow for prompt payment of the rates in full.

(3) Failure to publish the notice within the time limit fixed by subsection (1) does not invalidate the declaration.

Rates notice

(1) At least 28 days before the payment of the rates (or the first instalment of the rates) falls due, the council must issue an account for the payment of rates (a rates notice) for each allotment.

(2) The rates notice must be given if practicable to the principal ratepayer for an allotment or, if it is not practicable to do so, to any other ratepayer for the allotment.

(3) The rates notice must:

(a) state the due date for payment of the rates and, if payment by instalment is allowed, the due date for payment of the first instalment; and

(b) must be given at least 28 days before the due date for payment of the rates or the first instalment of the rates.

(4) Non-compliance with subsection (3)(b) does not invalidate the rates notice.

Discount for prompt payment

(1) A council may resolve to allow a discount, or some other form of concession or benefit, for prompt payment of rates in full.

(2) If the council resolves to allow a discount for prompt payment of rates in full, the rate notice must state the percentage discount, the conditions on which it is to be allowed, and both the discounted and the undiscounted amount payable.

Payment by instalment

(1) If a council allows payment of rates by instalment, it does so on condition that each instalment is paid by the due date.

(2) It follows that, if a ratepayer defaults in payment of an instalment by the due date, all remaining instalments become immediately due and payable.

(3) A council may, however, relieve a ratepayer, or ratepayers generally, from the consequences of default to an extent decided by the council.

Part 11.7 Interest on unpaid rates
Accrual of interest on overdue rates

(1) If rates are not paid by the due date, interest accrues on the amount of the unpaid rates at the relevant interest rate.

Note

If the ratepayer defaults in payment, all remaining instalments become due and payable. Interest therefore accrues on the total amount of the unpaid rates and not merely the amount of the instalment. (See section 161(2)).

(2) Interest is calculated on a daily basis on the amount in default (exclusive of interest) from the due date until the date of payment.

(3) The relevant interest rate is a rate interest fixed by the council as the relevant interest rate.

(4) A council may:

(a) fix a rate of interest as the relevant interest rate; or

(b) vary a rate of interest previously fixed as the relevant interest rate.

Remission of interest

A council may remit interest wholly or in part.

Part 11.8 Rate concessions
Rate concessions

(1) A rate concession is one or more of the following:

(a) a waiver in whole or part of rates or a component of rates;

(b) a deferment in whole or part of an obligation to pay rates or a component of rates.

(2) A council may grant a rate concession unconditionally or on conditions determined by the council.

(3) If a council grants a conditional rate concession under this Part, and the ratepayer fails to comply with a condition, the council may by notice to the ratepayer:

(a) withdraw the concession; and

(b) require the ratepayer to pay an amount, on or before a date specified in the notice, to neutralise any benefit to the ratepayer of the rate concession.

Rate concession to alleviate financial hardship

(1) A council may grant a rate concession to alleviate financial hardship.

(2) A rate concession may be granted on application by a person who establishes to the council's satisfaction that the person will suffer financial hardship if the concession is not granted.

Correction of anomalies in operation of rating system

(1) A council may grant a rate concession to a ratepayer or ratepayers of a particular class if satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to correct anomalies in the operation of the rating system.

(2) A council may grant a rate concession under this section on the council's own initiative or on application by an affected ratepayer.

Public benefit concessions

(1) A council may grant a rate concession if satisfied that the concession will advance one or more of the following purposes:

(a) securing the proper development of its area;

(b) preserving buildings or places of historical interest;

(d) encouraging cultural activities;

(e) promoting community health or welfare;

(f) encouraging agriculture;

(g) providing recreation or amusement for the public.

(2) However, the rate concession:

(a) may only be granted if authorised under a policy formally adopted by resolution of the council; and

(b) is subject to limitations and conditions specified in that policy.

(3) A council may grant a rate concession under this section on its own initiative or on application by a ratepayer.

Part 11.9 Recovery of rates

Division 1 Application of this Part
Extended meaning of rates in this Part

In this Part:

rates includes:

(a) a charge; or

(b) if the rates (or charge) are overdue:

(i) accrued interest; and

(ii) costs reasonably incurred by the council in recovering, or attempting to recover, them.

Division 2 Recovery by action
Recovery by action

(1) Rates may be recovered as a debt due to the council from the principal ratepayer or any other ratepayer by action in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) The proceedings may be commenced at any time within 6 years after the rates were imposed.

Division 3 Overriding statutory charge
Overdue rates to be a charge on land

If rates are not paid by the due date, the rates become a charge on the land to which they relate.

Registration of charge

(1) After rates have been in arrears for at least 6 months, the council may apply to the appropriate registration authority for registration of the charge over the land to which the charge relates.

(2) The registration authority must, on payment of the appropriate fee by the council:

(a) register the charge as an overriding statutory charge; and

(b) notify all persons with a registered interest in or over the land of the registration of the charge.

(3) Failure to give notice of the registration of the charge under subsection (2)(b) does not invalidate the registration of the charge.

(4) A registration authority must cancel registration of a charge if the council applies for the cancellation.

(5) The council must apply for cancellation if the liability to which the charge relates is fully satisfied, and may apply for cancellation for any other reason.

Effect of registered charge

While a charge is registered as an overriding statutory charge under this Division, it has priority over all other registered and unregistered mortgages, charges and encumbrances except a previously registered overriding statutory charge.

Division 4 Sale of land
Power to sell land for non-payment of rates

If rates have been in arrears for at least 3 years, and an overriding statutory charge securing liability for the rates has been registered for at least the last 6 months, the council may sell the land.

Pre-conditions of sale

(1) Before the council sells land for non-payment of rates, it must give a notice to the principal ratepayer for the land at the address appearing in the assessment record:

(a) stating the period for which rates have been in arrears; and

(b) stating the total amount currently outstanding on the land; and

(c) warning that if that amount is not paid in full within a stated period (at least 1 month) after the date of the notice, the council will sell the land for non-payment of rates.

(2) A copy of the notice must be given to:

(a) any other person with a registered interest in the land; and

(b) if the land is a pastoral or other lease granted by the Territory, or a mining tenement – the Minister administering the legislation under which the lease or mining tenement was granted.

(3) If the whereabouts of a person to whom a notice (or copy) is, after reasonable inquiries, not ascertained by the council, the notice may be given by:

(a) publishing it in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the Territory; and

(b) leaving a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place on the land.

Sale of land

(1) If the full amount of the outstanding rates is not paid within the time allowed in the warning notice, the council may sell the land.

(2) The sale must be by public auction.

Exceptions

1 If the land is a pastoral or other lease granted by the Territory, or a mining tenement, the sale must be made as approved by the Minister administering the legislation under which the lease or mining tenement was granted.

2 If the land is a leasehold estate granted by a Land Trust, the sale must be made as approved by the relevant Land Council.

(3) A public auction must be advertised:

(a) on the council's website; and

(b) on at least 2 separate occasions in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the Territory.

(4) If before the date of the sale, the outstanding rates (including costs incurred by the council with a view to sale of the land) are paid, the council must call off the sale.

(5) If an auction fails, the council may sell the land by private contract for the best price that it can reasonably obtain.

(6) If a council sells land under this section, the council may execute a conveyance of the land under its common seal.

(7) On registration of the conveyance, title to the land vests in the purchaser freed and discharged from all mortgages, charges and encumbrances securing the payment of money.

Proceeds of sale

(1) The council must apply the proceeds of the sale of the land as follows:

(a) first in the payment of the costs incurred in selling the land under this Division;

(b) secondly, in the payment of all liabilities secured on the land (including the liability to the council) in the order of their priority;

(2) If the council fails, after reasonable inquiry, to discover the identity or whereabouts of a person entitled to payment under this section, the council may make the payment to the Public Trustee as unclaimed property.

(3) A payment made to the Public Trustee under subsection (2) vests in the Public Trustee under, and for the purposes of, section 59A of the Public Trustee Act.

Part 11.10 Correction of errors
Correction of errors

(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare that rates have been validly declared, or declared and levied, by a council despite a particular procedural non-compliance or some other irregularity or error of a minor or technical nature.

(2) The declaration validates the rates from the date of their purported declaration.

Chapter 12 Council property

Part 12.1 Property generally
Acquisition of property

(1) A council may acquire real or personal property (including intellectual property) by agreement.

(2) The Minister administering the Lands Acquisition Act may, by arrangement with a council, compulsorily acquire land for the council under that Act.

(3) The council must reimburse the relevant Minister for compensation and other costs associated with the acquisition.

Assumption of care control and management of land

(1) A council may, at the request or with the consent of the interested persons, assume the care, control and management of land within its area.

(2) The following are the interested persons

(a) the owner;

(b) a person (other than the owner) with a registered estate or interest in the land;

(3) However:

(a) if the land is subject to a trust, the consent of the trustee is required but not the consent of equitable owners; and

(b) consent is not required from:

(i) a person who cannot be found after reasonable inquiry; or

(ii) a body that has become defunct.

(4) When a council assumes the care, control and management of land, it must publish notice of that fact on its website.

Power to develop and improve land

A council may develop and improve land in its ownership or under its care, control and management.

Power to act as trustee

(1) A council may act as a trustee of land or other property.

(2) However, a council cannot assume an obligation to promote a particular religion (but this subsection does not prevent a council from accepting a gift on conditions requiring the council to maintain a particular part of a cemetery set apart for the members or adherents of a particular religious group or denomination).

(3) A council may apply to the Supreme Court for an order varying the terms of a trust of which the council is a trustee.

(4) Notice of an application describing the nature of the variation sought must be given:

(a) on the council's website; and

(b) by notice published in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory; and

(5) If the Supreme Court is satisfied that it is not practicable for the council to give effect to the trust in its present form, the Court may vary the terms of the trust.

(6) The council must publish notice of the making and effect of the order on its website.

Power to deal with and dispose of property

(1) Subject to the Minister's guidelines, a council may deal with or dispose of property of which the council is the owner.

(2) This section does not authorise a council to act in breach of trust or in breach of conditions on which the property was accepted by the council.

Part 12.2 Reserves and cemeteries
Reserves

(1) If a council agrees, the Minister may, by Gazette notice, place a reserve in the council's area under the care, control and management of the council.

(2) The council has, in relation to the reserve, the powers and functions of trustees appointed under section 79 of the Crown Lands Act.

Public cemeteries

(1) A public cemetery situated in a council's area is vested in the council.

(2) A council has, in regard to such a cemetery, the powers of a Board of Trustees under the Cemeteries Act.

Exception

If a regional management plan provides for management of the cemetery by a joint management committee or a council subsidiary, the powers of a Board of Trustees under the Cemeteries Act are vested in the joint management committee or the council subsidiary.

(3) A council may (subject to relevant provisions of a regional management plan) make by-laws for the management and control of a public cemetery.

Part 12.3 Roads
Roads

(1) A road is:

(a) land vested in a council at the commencement of this Act as a road or a road reserve; and

(b) land vested in a council, as a road or road reserve, after the commencement of this Act, under some other Act; and

(d) land transferred to the council in fee simple, and accepted by the council, as a public road; and

(e) land declared by the council, by Gazette notice, to be a road with the consent of the owner of the land; and

(f) land vested in the council, with the council's agreement, by notice under subsection (2).

(2) If a council agrees, the Minister may, by Gazette notice, vest Crown land in the council as a road.

(3) Land ceases to be a road if the road is permanently closed under this or any other Act.

Care control and management of roads

(1) Subject to this section, all roads within an area are under the care, control and management of the council.

(2) After consulting with the relevant council, the Minister may, by Gazette notice, withdraw a road from the care, control and management of the council and vest it in the Territory.

(3) If a road is vested in the council, a notice under subsection (2) divests the road from the council and vests it in the Territory.

(4) While a road remains under the care, control and management of a council, the following belongs to the council:

(a) all vegetation growing on the road;

(b) anything erected on, or affixed to, the road except infrastructure or equipment belonging to the Commonwealth or the Territory or a statutory authority of the Commonwealth or the Territory.

Closing of roads

(1) A council may temporarily or permanently close a road, or part of a road, under its care, control and management.

(2) However, a road or part of a road is not to be permanently closed under subsection (1) without the Minister's consent.

(3) If a road vested in the Territory, but situated within the area of a council, is permanently closed, the land comprising the road vests in the council in fee simple.

Chapter 13 Regulatory powers

Part 13.1 By-laws
Power to make by-laws

(1) Subject to this Part, a council may make by-laws for the good governance of its area.

(2) Regulations may be made defining the subjects that fall within the ambit of a council's power to make by-laws or excluding subjects from the ambit of a council's power to make by-laws.

(3) A by-law may be of general or limited application.

(4) A by-law binds the Territory and all its instrumentalities.

(5) A by-law may impose a penalty, not exceeding 100 penalty units for an individual or 500 penalty units for a body corporate, for contravention of the by-law.

(6) A by-law may also provide for a daily penalty, not exceeding 5 penalty units for an individual or 25 penalty units for a body corporate, for each day a contravention of the by-law continues.

Principles applying to by-laws

(1) A by-law must conform with the following principles:

(a) a by-law must not exceed the power under which it is purportedly made;

(b) a by-law must not, without clear authority:

(i) operate retrospectively; or

(ii) impose a tax;

(i) the offence is a parking offence or other minor traffic infringement; or

(ii) the shift of onus concerns only formal matters or matters peripheral to the substance of the offence; or

(iii) there is clear authority in the authorising legislation to shift the onus of proof to the accused;

(d) a by-law must not infringe personal rights in an unreasonable way or to an unreasonable extent.

(2) A by-law should reflect the following principles:

(a) a by-law should be consistent with other legislation applying in the council's area;

(b) a by-law should not impose unreasonable burdens on the community;

(d) a by-law should avoid duplication of, or overlap with, other legislation;

(e) a by-law should be consistent with basic principles of justice and fairness;

(f) a by-law should be expressed plainly and in gender neutral language.

(3) If a by-law infringes one or more principles stated in subsection (2) it is not necessarily invalid on that ground, but a court, in considering whether the by-law represents a reasonable exercise of the power under which the by-law was made, must take the infringement into account.

(4) This section does not affect the validity of a by-law made before the commencement of this Act.

Making by-laws

(1) Before a council makes a by-law:

(a) the council must at least 21 days before the meeting at which the council proposes to make the by-law:

(i) publish the proposed by-law on its website; and

(ii) make copies of the proposed by-law available for public inspection, without charge, at the council's office; and

(iii) give notice in a newspaper circulating in the area of the council of the availability of the by-law and of its general nature and effect; and

(b) the council must consider written representations made by members of the public about the by-law; and

(c) the council must obtain a certificate from a legal practitioner certifying that, in the legal practitioner's opinion, the by-law may be made consistently with the principles prescribed in this Part.

(2) A special resolution of the council is required for making a by-law.

Model by-laws

(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, make, alter or revoke model by-laws dealing with a particular subject.

(2) A model by-law must be published on the Agency's website.

(3) A council may, by special resolution, adopt a model by-law, or an alteration to a model by-law, made by the Minister under this section.

Register of by-laws and certified copies

(1) A council must keep a register of all by-laws made or adopted by the council.

(2) The register must include the text of each by-law and of any code, standard or other document referred to or incorporated in the
by-law.

(3) The register:

(a) must be accessible on the council's website; and

(b) must be available for inspection at the council's public office.

(4) A person is entitled, on payment of a fee fixed by the council, to a certified copy of a by-law.

Part 13.2 Regulatory orders

Division 1 Categories of regulatory order
Visual pollution

(1) If visual pollution exists on land and it detracts significantly from the amenity of the surrounding neighbourhood, a council may make an order (a regulatory order) requiring the owner or occupier of the land to take specified action to get rid of, or to reduce the impact of, the visual pollution.

(2) Visual pollution exists on land if:

(a) the land itself is in an unsightly condition; or

(b) there is an unsightly structure or object on the land.

Mitigation of hazard or nuisance

A council may make an order (a regulatory order) requiring the owner or occupier of land to remove or mitigate a hazard or nuisance, or potential hazard or nuisance.

Examples

1 The council might require the owner to construct drains to prevent water from the land draining across an adjoining road.

2 The council might require the owner or occupier to cut back overhanging vegetation.

3 The council might require the owner or occupier to fence the land to prevent animals from running out from the land across a road.

4 The council might require the owner or occupier to clear away objects or materials that could prove hazardous to neighbours during a cyclone.

Animals and activities involving animals

If an animal or an activity involving an animal is, or is likely to become, a hazard or nuisance, the council may make an order (a regulatory order) requiring the owner or occupier of the land on which the animal is kept or the activity is carried out, to take specified action to remove or mitigate the hazard or nuisance.

Examples

1 The council might require re-location of slaughtering activities to a place where they are less likely to cause offence or a risk to the health of others.

2 The council might require action to reduce the number of cats kept on a property.

3 The council might require action to reduce noise or odours.

4 The council might require the destruction of a dangerous animal that cannot be adequately controlled in its current location.

Division 2 Regulatory orders generally
Review of orders

A regulatory order is reviewable.

Time for carrying out work under regulatory order

(1) A regulatory order must fix a reasonable period for taking the action required by the order.

(2) The council may, from time to time, extend the time for compliance with the order on application by the person required to comply.

Non-compliance with order

(1) A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a regulatory order is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(2) If a person fails to comply with a regulatory order, a person authorised by the council may, after reasonable notice to the occupier of the land, enter the land and carry out work, or take other action, required under the order.

(3) The council may recover the cost of the work, or other action, as unpaid rates.

Chapter 14 Reporting and public disclosure

Part 14.1 Annual reports
Annual reports

(1) A council must, on or before 15 November in each year, report to the Minister on its work during the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June.

(2) The report must include a copy of the council's audited financial statement for the relevant financial year.

(3) The report must also contain an assessment of the council's performance against the objectives stated in the relevant municipal or shire plan (applying indicators of performance set in the plan).

(4) As soon as practicable after the report has been delivered to the Minister, the council must:

(a) publish the report on the council's website; and

(b) publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the area informing the public that copies of the report may be downloaded from the council's website or obtained from the council's public office.

Part 14.2 Public access to information
Information to be publicly available

The following material is to be available on the council's website and at the council's public office:

(a) a draft regional management plan for the region in which the council's region is situated and the notice inviting written representations (See section (3));

(b) the regional management plan for the region in which the council's area is situated (See section (2));

(d) the constitution of a council subsidiary for which the council is a constituent council (See section );

(e) the notices and minutes of meetings of the council, local boards, council committees and electors (See sections (4) and (3));

(f) a statement of the level of allowances and expenses to be paid to members under this Act (See sections and );

(g) the register of members' interests (See section (2));

(h) the council's code of conduct (See section (3));

(i) an approved rating proposal (See section (6));

(j) notice of the declaration of rates (and charges) for the current financial year (See section (1));

(k) notice of the council's intention to sell land, by auction, for non-payment of rates (See section (3));

(l) notice of the council's assumption of the care, control and management of land (See section (4));

(m) notice of an application by the council to the Supreme Court for variation of a trust (See section (4)) and notice of an order made on such an application (See section (6));

(n) notice of a proposed by-law the council intends to make (See section (1));

(o) the register of by-laws (See section (3));

(p) the council's annual reports (See section (4));

(q) a list setting out each category of reviewable decisions (See section (2)).

Suppression of certain information

(1) The CEO must suppress from publicly available material information classified under the regulations as confidential.

(2) A person may apply, in writing, to the CEO for the suppression of the person's address, or name and address, from publicly available material.

(3) The CEO must comply with an application under subsection (2) unless there is good reason for not doing so.

(4) The CEO must notify an applicant, in writing, of the result of the application.

(5) A decision to refuse suppression is reviewable.

(6) In this section:

publicly available material means an assessment record or other material (except an electoral roll) that is to be made publicly available under this Part or any other provision of this Act.

Chapter 15 Compliance reviews and investigations

Part 15.1 Inspectors
Inspectors

(1) The Minister may appoint inspectors of local government.

(2) An appointment may be made on terms and conditions specified in the instrument of appointment.

(3) The terms and conditions of appointment may limit the circumstances in which the appointee may exercise powers as an inspector.

Example

If an inspector's field of expertise lies in auditing financial records, the appointment could limit the inspector to that field.

Identity cards for inspectors

(1) The Agency must issue each inspector with an identity card:

(a) containing the inspector's name and a photograph of the inspector; and

(b) stating that the person whose name and photograph appear on the card is an inspector.

(2) The inspector must, at the reasonable request of a person, produce the inspector's identity card for inspection.

(3) A person must, on ceasing to be an inspector, return the identity card to the Agency.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

Functions of an inspector

The functions of an inspector are:

(a) to carry out compliance reviews; and

(b) to investigate suspected irregularities in or affecting the conduct of a council's affairs.

Part 15.2 Compliance review
Program of compliance reviews

(1) The Agency must establish a program of compliance reviews for councils.

(2) The purpose of a compliance review is to ensure that councils conduct their business lawfully.

Carrying out of compliance review

A compliance review is to be carried out by an inspector, or 2 or more inspectors, assigned to the review by the Agency.

Agency must report on results of compliance review

(1) The Agency must report to the council on the results of a compliance review.

(2) The report may contain recommendations for administrative or regulatory change.

Part 15.3 Investigations
Investigations

(1) If there are reasonable grounds to suspect a material irregularity in or affecting the conduct of a council's affairs, the Agency may direct an investigation into the affairs of the council.

(2) An investigation is to be carried out by an inspector, or 2 or more inspectors, assigned to the investigation by the Agency.

Part 15.4 Powers of inspector
Power of entry and access

(1) For the purposes of a compliance review or an investigation, an inspector:

(a) may enter, examine and search land and premises of the council; and

(b) may examine and take copies of any records or other documents of the council.

(2) The CEO or any other member of the council's staff must, at the request of an inspector:

(a) do anything reasonably necessary to facilitate the exercise of powers under subsection (1); or

(b) answer questions relevant to the compliance review or the investigation asked by the inspector; or

(d) give other assistance the inspector reasonably requires; or

(e) do any combination of the above.

(3) A person to whom a request is addressed under subsection (2) must comply with the request.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(4) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (3) to prove that the defendant had a reasonable excuse for the
non-compliance.

Power of formal questioning

(1) For the purposes of a compliance review or investigation, an inspector may, by notice, require a person:

(a) to provide, within the time allowed in the notice, written answers to specified questions or other specified written information; or

(b) to attend before the inspector at a specified time and place for examination on a subject stated in the notice; or

(2) A person required by notice under this section to provide written answers to questions or other written information must, if the notice requires, verify the answers or information by statutory declaration.

(3) A person who, in response to a notice under this section, attends for examination before an inspector:

(a) must, if the inspector so requires, take an oath or make an affirmation (which may be administered by the inspector) to answer truthfully all questions put to the person by the inspector; and

(b) must answer questions put to person at the examination.

(4) A person must comply with a requirement under this section.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

(5) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (4) to prove that the defendant had a reasonable excuse for the
non-compliance.

Inspector's report

(1) If an inspector finds evidence of an irregularity in the conduct of a council's affairs, the inspector must report the matter to:

(a) the Agency; and

(b) the council.

(2) If the irregularity appears to involve dishonesty or serious illegality, the inspector must also report the matter to the Minister.

Part 15.5 Agency's power to remedy irregularity
Power to commence proceedings to recover loss

(1) If the Agency is satisfied, on the report of an inspector, that a council has suffered loss as a result of an irregularity affecting the conduct of the council's affairs but that the loss is recoverable in whole or part by action in a court of competent jurisdiction, the Agency may bring an action in the name of the council to recover the loss.

(2) The Agency must indemnify the council against any liability for costs arising from an action taken by the Agency in the council's name under this section.

Power to impose surcharge

(1) If the Agency is satisfied, on the report of an inspector, that a council has suffered loss as a result of dishonesty or serious illegality, the council may impose a surcharge on the person whose dishonest or illegal act gave rise to the loss.

(2) The surcharge is imposed by giving the person a notice:

(a) stating the grounds on which the surcharge has been imposed; and

(b) stating the amount of the surcharge; and

(3) A person on whom a surcharge has been imposed may, within 28 days after the imposition of the surcharge, appeal to the Tribunal against the surcharge.

(4) On an appeal, the Tribunal may:

(a) confirm the surcharge; or

(b) vary the surcharge; or

Recovery of surcharge

(1) A surcharge may be recovered as a debt due to the council.

(2) The council may set off against the amount of a surcharge the amount of any liability owed by the council to the person liable for the surcharge.

Chapter 16 Inquiries

Part 16.1 Establishment of commission
Establishment of commission of inquiry

(1) The Minister may establish a commission of inquiry to inquire into:

(a) the affairs of a particular council; or

(b) any other question relevant to local government in the Territory.

(2) A commission of inquiry consists of one or more persons (commissioners) appointed by the Minister to constitute the commission of inquiry.

(3) If the Minister establishes a commission of inquiry to inquire into the affairs of a particular council, the Minister must give notice to the relevant council of the reasons for and subject matter of the inquiry.

Commissioner's terms of office

(1) The remuneration and other terms and conditions on which a commissioner holds office are determined by the Minister.

(2) A commissioner has, in relation to the performance of official functions, the same privileges and immunities as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

Part 16.2 Conduct of inquiry
Conduct of inquiry

(1) A commission of inquiry must inquire diligently into the subject matter of the inquiry and report to the Minister on the results of the inquiry.

(2) A commission of inquiry may gather information in any way it considers appropriate and is not bound by the rules of evidence.

(3) Proceedings of a commission of inquiry are to be held in a place open to the public unless the commission considers it desirable, in the public interest, to hold the proceedings in private.

(4) If a commission of inquiry is appointed to inquire into the affairs of a particular council, it must allow the council a reasonable opportunity to make submissions on the subject matter of the inquiry.

Evidentiary powers of commission

(1) A commission of inquiry may exercise any of the following evidentiary powers:

(a) it may require a person to appear before it to give evidence;

(b) it may require a person to provide written answers to questions put to the person by the commission and to verify the answers by statutory declaration;

(c) it may require a person to produce documents or other evidentiary materials in the person's possession or control to the commission.

(2) A requirement under subsection (1) is made by giving the person whose compliance is required a notice in writing:

(a) stating the subject matter of the inquiry; and

(b) setting out the terms of the requirement; and

(3) A commissioner may administer an oath or affirmation to a person who appears before the commission to give evidence.

(4) A person commits an offence if:

(a) the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement under subsection (1); or

(b) the person, after appearing before the commission to give evidence:

(i) fails or refuses to take an oath or affirmation when required to do so by the commission; or

(ii) fails or refuses, without reasonable excuse, to answer a question relevant to the subject matter of the inquiry when required to do so by the commission.

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

(5) A person who gives evidence to a commission of inquiry has the same privileges and immunities as a witness in proceedings before the Supreme Court.

Legal representation

A council or other person whose conduct is under investigation by a commission of inquiry is entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner in proceedings before the commission.

Re-opening of inquiry

The Minister may direct a commission of inquiry to re-open the inquiry if fresh evidence comes to light or it appears desirable for some other reason to re-open the inquiry.

Report of commission of inquiry

(1) Publication of a report of a commission of inquiry is absolutely privileged.

(2) Publication of a fair report of proceedings or findings of a commission of inquiry is protected by qualified privilege.

Chapter 17 Defaulting councils

Part 17.1 Suggested remedial action
Suggested action to remedy deficiencies

(1) If the Minister is satisfied that deficiencies have been identified in the conduct of a council's affairs, the Minister may:

(a) recommend to the council specified remedial action to ensure that the deficiencies are properly addressed; and

(b) ask the council to report to the Minister, within a specified period, on the action taken to give effect to the recommendation or, if no action has been taken, the reasons why no action has been taken.

(2) The council must comply with a request under subsection (1)(b).

Part 17.2 Required remedial action
Power to require action to remedy deficiencies

(1) If the Minister is satisfied that deficiencies have been identified in the conduct of a council's affairs and that action must be taken to address them, the Minister may:

(a) require the council to take specified remedial action within a specified period; and

(b) require the council to report to the Minister, at the end of the specified period, on the action taken to give effect to the requirement.

(2) If a council fails to comply with a requirement under this section, each member of the council is guilty of an offence.

Fault element: This is an offence of strict liability.

Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.

(3) It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subsection (2) to prove that the defendant acted with reasonable diligence to secure the council's compliance.

Part 17.3 Official management
Official management of councils

(1) If the Minister is satisfied that serious deficiencies have been identified in the conduct of a council's affairs, the Minister may, by Gazette notice, place the council under official management.

(2) When the Minister places a council under official management:

(a) all members of the council are suspended from office; and

(b) the Minister:

(i) must appoint a suitable person to manage the affairs of the council; and

(ii) must appoint a suitable person (who may – but need not – be the manager) to investigate and report back to the Minister, within a period allowed by the Minister, on the conduct of the suspended members and the affairs and financial position of the council.

(3) The Minister may from time to time extend the time allowed for the investigator's report.

(4) When the Minister receives the investigator's report, the Minister must invite written submissions from the suspended members on the content of the report within a reasonable period (at least 21 days) specified in the invitation.

(5) After considering the report and any submissions made in response to an invitation under subsection (4), the Minister must:

(a) reinstate the suspended members; or

(b) dismiss the suspended members from office.

Official manager

(1) The manager has full power to transact any business of the council and to do anything else the council could have done but for the suspension or dismissal of its members.

(2) The manager may act in the manager's own name, or in the name of the council, and may execute a document under the common seal of the council.

(3) The manager's remuneration and terms and conditions of office are determined by the Minister.

(4) The manager's remuneration is payable from the funds of the council.

(5) If the members of the council are reinstated, the manager ceases to hold office.

(6) If the members of the council are dismissed from office, the manager ceases to hold office at the conclusion of the next election of members of the council.

Election after dismissal of members

(1) If the members of a council are dismissed from office under this Part, and a general election is not to be held within 1 year, the Minister must fix a date for the holding of a by-election to fill the vacancies created by the dismissal

(2) The CEO must summon a meeting of the council within 14 days after declaration of the result of the election.

Chapter 18 Review and appeal

Part 18.1 Internal review
Reviewable decisions

(1) A reviewable decision is a decision or order made by a council, or an officer of a council, that is designated as reviewable:

(a) by this Act (or a by-law under this Act); or

(b) by resolution of the council.

(2) A list setting out each category of reviewable decisions must be accessible on a council's website.

Note

The following are designated by this Act as reviewable:

(a) a decision by the council or a council committee to reject an application for correction of an entry in the assessment record (Section 154(6));

(b) a regulatory order (Section 196);

(c) a decision to refuse to suppress a person's name or address (or both) from publicly available material (Section 201(5)).

Right to apply for review

(1) A person who is adversely affected by a reviewable decision may, within 14 days after the date of the decision, apply to the CEO for a review of the decision.

(2) The application must:

(a) be made in writing; and

(b) set out in detail the grounds on which the decision should, in the applicant's opinion, be re-considered.

(3) The CEO may extend the period for making an application for review if the CEO is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the extension.

Consideration of application by administrative review committee

(1) The CEO must, on receiving an application for review, refer the application to a committee established by the council for inquiring into such applications (an administrative review committee).

(2) The administrative review committee may summarily reject an application for review if satisfied that the application is frivolous, vexatious or lacking in substance.

(3) The administrative review committee:

(a) must (unless it rejects the application under subsection (2)) inquire into the matters raised by the application; and

(b) must make a recommendation on the application to the council.

(4) The recommendation may be:

(a) for confirmation of the decision; or

(b) for amendment of the decision; or

(d) for making some further decision to mitigate the effect of the decision.

Council's decision on recommendation

(1) After receiving a recommendation from an administrative review committee, the council must make a final decision on the application.

(2) The decision need not be consistent with the administrative review committee's recommendation.

(3) The CEO must notify the applicant of the council's final decision on the application.

Appeal against council's final decision on review

An applicant may, within 28 days after the date of the notice of the council's final decision, appeal to the Tribunal against the decision.

Part 18.2 Appeal

Division 1 Local Government Tribunal
Local Government Tribunal

(1) The Local Government Tribunal continues.

(2) All magistrates are members of the Tribunal.

(3) The Chief Magistrate is President of the Tribunal.

(4) The President has administrative control of the Tribunal.

Constitution of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal is constituted for the purpose of hearing and determining a proceeding of a single magistrate.

(2) The Tribunal may be constituted in separate divisions in accordance with subsection (1) to hear different proceedings simultaneously.

Registrars of the Tribunal

(1) Each Registrar of the Local Court is a Registrar of the Tribunal and that Registrar's office is a registry of the Tribunal.

(2) The Registrar of the Local Court at Darwin is the Principal Registrar of the Tribunal.

(3) Each Registrar must keep a register, in a form approved by the President, of proceedings commenced at, or referred to, the registry.

(4) The Principal Registrar must keep a composite register, in a form approved by the President, of all proceedings in the Tribunal.

Division 2 Evidence and procedure
Evidence and procedure before the Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal may inform itself as it thinks fit without regard to the rules of evidence.

(2) The Tribunal must act according to the substantial merits of the case without regard to technicalities or legal form.

(3) A party to a proceeding before the Tribunal may appear personally or be represented by a legal practitioner or other representative.

Witnesses

(1) The Tribunal may issue a summons (an evidentiary summons) requiring a person:

(a) to attend before the Tribunal, at a nominated time and place, to give evidence; or

(b) to produce specified documents, at or before a specified time, to the Tribunal or a Registrar; or

(2) An evidentiary summons may be issued by any member of the Tribunal or a Registrar.

(3) A person who attends before the Tribunal to give evidence (whether summoned to appear or not) must, if required to do so by the Tribunal, take an oath or an affirmation.

(4) An oath or an affirmation may be administered by a member of the Tribunal or a Registrar.

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if the person, without reasonable excuse:

(a) fails to attend before the Tribunal to give evidence, or fails to produce documents to the Tribunal or a Registrar, as required by an evidentiary summons; or

(b) refuses to take an oath or make an affirmation when required to do so by the Tribunal; or

Fault element: Intention.

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months.

Division 3 Jurisdiction of Tribunal
Jurisdiction of Tribunal

The Tribunal has the jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals and other proceedings conferred under this Act.

Note

The Tribunal has jurisdiction in the following matters:

(a) to determine eligibility for membership of a council (Section );

(b) to declare a decision of a council, local board or council committee void where it is vitiated by conflict of interest (Section );

(c) to determine an appeal against a decision of a disciplinary committee (Section );

(d) to determine electoral disputes (Section );

(e) to determine an appeal against a surcharge (Section 213);

(f) to determine an appeal against a decision by a council on review of a reviewable decision.

Stay of effect of decisions and orders

(1) An appeal does not suspend the operation of the decision or order to which it relates.

(2) However, the Tribunal may make an order suspending an obligation arising under a decision or order to which an appeal relates, or prohibiting action to give effect to such a decision or order, until the appeal has been determined.

Costs

The Tribunal may make orders for costs.

Division 4 Further appeals
Appeals to the Supreme Court

(1) A party may appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision or order of the Tribunal.

(2) The appeal must be commenced in accordance with the rules of the Supreme Court.

(3) The appeal is limited to a question of law.

Division 5 Rules
Power to make rules

(1) The President may make rules:

(a) regulating the practice and procedure of the Tribunal; and

(b) providing for the enforcement of the Tribunal's decisions and orders; and

(2) The rules may provide for the exercise of procedural powers by a Registrar.

Chapter 19 Miscellaneous

Part 19.1 Local Government Association
Continuance of the Local Government Association

(1) The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory continues.

(2) The Association is a body corporate.

(3) The Association has full legal capacity:

(a) to acquire, hold or dispose of real or personal property; and

(b) to acquire or incur any other rights, powers, obligations and liabilities that may attach to a body corporate.

(4) The Association is to be administered in accordance with its constitution (which may be amended from time to time in accordance with procedures for amendment contained in the constitution).

(5) The Association acts, in accordance with its constitution:

(a) through officers or employees with authority to act on its behalf; or

(b) through agents appointed to act on its behalf; or

(6) An apparently genuine document that appears to bear the common seal of the Association will, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be taken to have been duly executed by the Association.

Part 19.2 Criminal responsibility
Application of Criminal Code

(1) An offence against this Act is an offence to which Part IIAA of the Criminal Code applies.

Note

Part IIAA of the Criminal Code states the general principles of criminal responsibility, establishes general defences, and deals with burden of proof. It also defines, or elaborates on, certain concepts commonly used in the creation of offences. For example, the extended meaning given to the concept of recklessness in section 43AK(4) of the Code should be noted.

(2) If a provision creating an offence contains a statement identifying certain elements as fault elements of the offence:

(a) the fault elements identified in the statement are the only fault elements of the offence; and

(b) the statement operates to the exclusion of fault elements that might otherwise be implied under provisions of the Criminal Code.

Note

It follows that fault elements that might otherwise be implied under section 43AM of the Criminal Code are excluded by the statement.

(3) If a provision creating an offence contains a statement classifying the offence as one of strict liability (and thus excluding fault elements), section 43AN(1) of the Criminal Code applies to the offence.

Part 19.3 Legal proceedings
Commencement of legal proceedings on behalf of council

(1) Legal proceedings (including proceedings for an offence) may be commenced in the name of a council by the CEO or some other person authorised by the council to bring the proceedings on its behalf.

(2) Proceedings for an offence against this Act may be commenced at any time within 3 years after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.

Infringement notice offences

(1) If a regulation or by-law fixes an infringement notice penalty for an offence against this Act, the regulation or by-law, a council or officer of a council who might otherwise have prosecuted the offence in court (the prosecutor) may, as an alternative, serve an infringement notice on the alleged offender.

(2) The infringement notice must:

(a) state the name, or give other identifying particulars, of the alleged offender; and

(b) describe the offence alleged to have been committed; and

(d) state the amount of the infringement notice penalty; and

(e) state the period within which the penalty must be paid and the means of payment; and

(f) state that the alleged offender may elect to be dealt with by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(3) The prosecutor may withdraw an infringement notice at any time before payment of the infringement notice penalty so that the offence may be prosecuted in court.

Monetary penalties

(1) If the council prosecutes an offence committed in its area, and a monetary penalty is imposed for the offence, the amount of the penalty must be paid to the council.

(2) If the council issues an infringement notice for an offence alleged to have been committed in the council's area, the penalty payable under the infringement notice is payable to the council.

Recovery of damages

A court may, on application by a council, make an award of compensation against a person and in favour of a council if:

(a) the court finds the person guilty of an offence against this Act or a by-law; and

(b) the council incurred expenditure, or sustained loss or damage, in consequence of the offence.

Part 19.4 Service of documents
Service of documents on council

A document may be served on a council:

(a) by handing it to the CEO personally; or

(b) by leaving it at the council office with a member of the council's staff; or

(d) by serving the document in any other way notified on the council's website as a permissible way to serve the document.

Service of documents by council

(1) A notice, order or other document the council is required or permitted to serve under this Act, may be served:

(a) personally on the person to whom it is addressed; or

(b) by leaving it for the person at the person's place of residence, employment or business; or

(2) If a council serves a notice, order or other document on a person in the person's capacity as owner or occupier of land, it binds successors in title or successive occupiers (as the case requires).

Part 19.5 Evidence
Judicial notice to be taken of certain facts

A court will take judicial notice of the following:

(a) the existence of a municipality or shire and its boundaries;

(b) the division of a municipality or shire into wards and the boundaries of each ward;

(d) the election of members of the council;

(e) the appointment and signature of the CEO.

Certified copies of minutes

An extract from the minutes of a council, local board, or council committee certified correct by the CEO is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence of proceedings and decisions to which the extract relates.

Evidence of land ownership

A certificate signed by the Registrar-General is admissible in legal proceedings as evidence of the ownership of an estate in fee simple, or a leasehold estate, in land to which the certificate relates.

Part 19.6 Misleading representations
Misleading representations

A person is guilty of an offence if the person makes a misleading representation to a council, a local board, council committee, or an officer or staff member of a council to obtain some advantage for him/herself or another or to cause detriment to another.

Fault elements:

(a) intention to make the representation; and

(b) knowledge that it is misleading; and

Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.

Part 19.7 Carrying out work on land
Occupier entitled to carry out work on land

(1) If an owner of land fails to carry out work on land that the owner is required under this Act to carry out, the occupier of the land may do so instead.

(2) If the occupier of land carries out work under this section, the occupier may recover the reasonable cost of doing so from the owner as a debt, or set off the amount against liabilities owed to the owner.

Owner entitled to re-enter land to carry out work

(1) If:

(a) the owner of land is required under this Act to carry out work on land; and

(b) the owner is not in occupation of the land;

the owner may, after reasonable notice to the occupier, re-enter the land to carry out the work.

(2) An occupier is guilty of an offence if the occupier unreasonably obstructs the re-entry of the owner to carry out the work or the carrying out of the work.

Fault element: An intention to obstruct (whether or not the defendant considers the obstruction unreasonable).

Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

Part 19.8 Certificates of liabilities, etc.
Certificates

(1) A council must, on application by a person with a proper interest in land within the council's area, issue a certificate containing:

(a) details of outstanding rates and charges due to the council in relation to the land; and

(b) details of statutory notices and orders issued by the council in relation to the land.

(2) If a person, acting on faith in the certificate, purchases land or lends money on mortgage over the land, the council is estopped as against that person from disputing the correctness of the certificate.

(3) For this section, a person has a proper interest in land if the person is:

(a) an owner or occupier of the land; or

(b) a purchaser or prospective purchaser of the land; or

(d) a person acting for any of the above.

Part 19.9 Acquisition of property
Acquisition of property

(1) If a person acquires property by operation of the relevant legislation, or an administrative act under the relevant legislation, on terms that would not (apart from this subsection) be just, the person from whom the property is acquired is entitled to compensation, sufficient to remedy the injustice, from the person who acquires the property.

(2) The Supreme Court may, in an action brought by a person entitled to compensation under subsection (1), determine and make an order for the payment of the compensation.

(3) If the Supreme Court is satisfied that:

(a) a body corporate from which property has been acquired by operation of the relevant legislation or an administrative act under the relevant legislation has been dissolved by or under this Act; and

(b) the body corporate would, but for its dissolution, have been a claimant for compensation under this section;

the Court may, by order, annul the dissolution of the body corporate and make any further provision that may be necessary or appropriate to secure the continued existence of the body corporate or to facilitate its claim for compensation under this section.

Note

The Court might, by its order, convert the body corporate into an association under the Associations Act. Such an order is possible even though its effect is to reverse the effect of legislative and administrative acts (such as the conversion of the body corporate from an association into a community government council by restructuring order under the former Act.) taken for the purpose of achieving transition to the system of local government provided by this Act.

(4) However, the Court cannot restore the body corporate's powers of local government.

(5) If:

(a) a body corporate that continues in existence by order of the Supreme Court under this section succeeds in its claim for compensation; and

(b) the Court is satisfied that, if the former system of local government had continued, the body corporate would have been obliged to apply property for which an entitlement to compensation has been established for the benefit of a particular community or locality or for some other particular purposes;

the Court may make orders regulating the disposition or use of the compensation.

Note

The intention is that the ultimate beneficiaries of the compensation for acquisition of the property should be substantially the same as the ultimate beneficiaries of the property itself assuming it had remained in its former ownership and subject to the former administration.

(6) This section operates retrospectively in relation to:

(a) an acquisition made under the relevant legislation before the commencement of this Act; or

(b) proceedings related to such an acquisition commenced before the commencement of this Act.

(7) In this section:

relevant legislation means:

(a) this Act; or

(b) the amendments to the former Act made by the Local Government Amendment Act 2007.

Part 19.10 Guidelines and regulations
Guidelines

(1) The Minister may make, amend or revoke guidelines for the purposes of this Act.

(2) The guidelines must be published on the Agency's website.

(3) The Minister must table guidelines in the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days after making them, but they are not a disallowable instrument.

Regulations

The Administrator may make regulations under this Act.

Chapter 20 Repeals and transitional provisions

Part 20.1 Repeals
Acts repealed

The Acts specified in Schedule 3 are repealed.

Part 20.2 Transitional provisions
Definitions

In this Part:

date of transition means 1 July 2008.

former Act means the Act formed of the Acts repealed by this Act.

Constitution of new councils

(1) On the date of transition:

(a) a body corporate constituted as a prospective council by a restructuring order under the former Act becomes a shire council; and

(b) the area for which the body corporate was constituted becomes (as it existed immediately before the date of transition) the council's shire; and

(c) the councils (constituent councils) for local government areas subsumed into the shire are dissolved and all their property, rights, liabilities and obligations (including contractual rights, liabilities and obligations) become property rights, liabilities and obligations of the shire council.

(2) The by-laws of the constituent councils continue in force (subject to revocation by by-laws made under this Act) as by-laws of the new shire council (but their territorial application remains unchanged).

(3) Until the conclusion of the first general election after the date of transition, the person who was manager of the prospective council immediately before the date of transition (or some other person appointed by the Minister to take that person's place) continues as manager of the shire council.

(4) While the manager continues in office, the manager has all the powers and functions of the council.

(5) However, if a special resolution is required for the exercise of a particular power, the manager may only exercise the power if satisfied that there is substantial support for the proposed exercise of the power among the council's electors.

(6) No stamp duty is payable in respect of a transfer of property under this section.

Continuation of existing nominees, appointees etc.

If, immediately before the date of transition, a person held a position on a statutory board, committee or other body as an appointee or nominee of a council that ceases to exist on the date of transition, the appointment or nomination continues in force from the date of transition until the conclusion of the first general election to be held after the date of transition.

Continuation of existing councils

(1) Except as provided in this Chapter, councils and local government areas continue in existence, subject to this Act, as constituted immediately before the date of transition.

(2) The by-laws of a council that continues in existence under this section continue in force subject to variation or revocation by
by-laws made under this Act.

(3) A code of conduct made or adopted by a council before the date of transition continues in force (subject to variation or revocation under this Act) as the council's code of conduct.

(4) A budget prepared in accordance with the provisions of the former Act for the 2007/2008 financial year, by a council that continues in existence under this section, or by a body corporate constituted as a prospective council under the former Act, is taken to comply with the requirements of this Act.

Roads

(1) Any roads within the area of a council that were, immediately before the date of transition, vested in or under the care, control and management of the Territory remain, at the date of transition, vested in, or under the care, control and management of the Territory despite the provisions of this Act.

(2) Such a road continues to be vested in the Territory subject to:

(a) any agreement between the Territory and the council for vesting the road in the council; or

(b) any other proper dealing by the Territory with the road.

Approved proposal for rating conditionally rateable land in the 2008/2009 financial year

(1) If, before 31 May 2008, the Minister approved a proposal for rating conditionally rateable land in the area or the proposed area of a council or prospective council in the 2008/2009 financial year, the approved proposal becomes on the date of transition an approved rating proposal for the purposes of section 142 and remains in force until the end of the 2008/2009 financial year.

(2) The reference in subsection (1) to a prospective council is a reference to a body corporate that is constituted as a prospective council by a restructuring order under the former Act and becomes a shire council on the date of transition.

Rating limitations for early period of the operation of this Act

(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, impose limits on rates for the 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 financial years.

(2) A limit imposed under this section may have a general or limited application.

(3) However, such a limit may only apply to:

(a) rates imposed by shire councils; or

(b) rates imposed by municipal councils on conditionally rateable land.

(4) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, vary or revoke a limit imposed under this section.

Dissolution of Binjari Community Government Council

(1) The Binjari Community Government Council is dissolved.

(2) Any assets and liabilities of the Binjari Community Government Council remaining on its dissolution vest in the Katherine Town Council.

Schedule 1 Regions

section

The Territory is divided into the following regions:

Region 1

The areas of the following councils:

Tiwi Islands Shire Council, Darwin City Council, City of Palmerston (Palmerston City Council), Top End Shire Council, West Arnhem Shire Council, East Arnhem Shire Council.

Region 2

The areas of the following councils:

Roper-Gulf Shire Council, Victoria-Daly Shire Council, Katherine Town Council.

Region 3

The areas of the following councils:

Barkly Shire Council, Central Desert Shire Council, MacDonnell Shire Council, Alice Springs Town Council.

Schedule 2 Code of conduct – core provisions

section

1 Honesty and integrity

A member must act honestly and with integrity in performing official functions.

2 Care and diligence

A member must act with reasonable care and diligence in performing official functions.

3 Courtesy

A member must act with courtesy towards other members, council staff, electors and members of the public.

4 Conduct towards council staff

A member must not direct, reprimand, or interfere in the management of, council staff.

5 Respect for cultural diversity

A member must respect cultural diversity and must not therefore discriminate against others, or the opinions of others, on the ground of their cultural background.

6 Conflict of interest

A member must, if possible, avoid conflict of interest between the member's private interests and official functions and responsibilities.

Where a conflict in fact exists, the member must comply with the member's statutory obligations of disclosure.

7 Respect for confidences

A member must respect the confidentiality of information obtained in confidence in the member's official capacity.

A member must not make improper use of confidential information obtained in an official capacity to gain a private benefit or to cause harm to another.

8 Gifts

A member must not solicit or encourage gifts or private benefits from any person who might have an interest in obtaining a benefit from the council.

9 Accountability

A member must be prepared at all times to account for the member's performance as a member and the member's use of council resources.

10 Interests of municipality or shire to be paramount

A member must act in what the member genuinely believes to be the best interests of the municipality or shire.

In particular, a member must seek to ensure that the member's decisions and actions are based on an honest, reasonable, and properly informed judgment about what will best advance the best interests of the municipality or shire.

Schedule 3 Repealed Acts

section 260

Local Government Act 1993	Act No. 83 of 1993
Local Government Amendment Act 1995	Act No. 35 of 1995
Local Government Amendment Act (No. 2) 1995	Act No. 36 of 1995
Local Government Amendment Act (No. 3) 1995	Act No. 57 of 1995
Local Government Amendment Act 2000	Act No. 4 of 2000
Local Government Amendment Act 2002	Act No. 28 of 2002
Local Government Amendment Act 2004	Act No. 15 of 2004
Local Government Amendment Act 2007	Act No. 15 of 2007

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