NEW transparency measures are on the agenda as the Greens propose a public register for meetings between councillors and lobbyists and open previously confidential briefings.
Two notices of motion lodged by councillors Joel Pringle, Siobhan Isherwood and Charlotte McCabe argue the changes would improve public confidence in council decision-making and communication with the community.
Under the proposed lobbying register policy, meetings between councillors and defined lobbyists would be made public.
The motion notes that the requirement for the lord mayor and chief executive to publish their diaries on the council's website does not extend to councillors, and may "fail to capture meetings with persons of public interest that occur off-site and off-diary".
"Transparency is important for community confidence about the integrity of council decision-making," the motion said.
"A key decision in the making of this policy is who is captured in the reporting obligations. Inner West Council and the City of Sydney have both included registered lobbyists and developers.
"Council may also consider the inclusion of prohibited donors."
The motion argues transparency of meetings with registered lobbyists is an emerging issue in NSW council governance, with Inner West Council and the City of Sydney having recently made policies that require meetings between councillors and registered lobbyists to be recorded and published.
If approved, the council would request City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath run a public briefing session to guide the development of the policy before it is published for consultation.
A second motion looks to create a new process for councillor briefings and workshops previously held behind closed doors.
Confidential councillor briefings on issues going to future council meetings were banned by the minister for local government in January as they were found to be inconsistent with the principles of transparency, accountability and public participation and had the potential to undermine confidence in proper and lawful decision-making.
The Greens argue briefings are a useful way for council staff to share information with councillors and provide expert advice, notice of major projects and new policies.
The motion states councillor briefings held in public are not banned under the Code of Meeting Practice.
"The everyday business of council should always be open to the public, with very limited exceptions for matters that must be held confidentially, for clear and specific reasons," the motion said.
"Regular public councillor briefings can contribute to a greater openness in decision-making and improved communication between council and the community."
The motion asks the council to review its policies to confirm it allows for open briefing sessions and workshops and to establish a regular process starting in June.
Both motions are expected to be debated at Tuesday's meeting.
