Typically such committees are set up to:
• Primarily, to provide 'council and councillors' with advice; and
• Secondarily, to provide 'council management' with auxiliary 'information provided by an expert/s' in order that a GM can satisfy SECTION 65 of the Local Govt Act 1993 .
The base 'assumption' being that neither 'councillors nor management' have automatic access to appropriate advice in their decision making.
This being the case it seems that with the establishment of 'this committee' it is timely to address the administrative processes that currently impact negatively upon:
• The relevance of such committees' contribution to 'better governance'; and
• The delivery of better outcomes for ratepayers.
It has been stated in the press that the council is seeking to
" attract practising artists or industry professionals who have a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges experienced by community-based arts and cultural groups and organisations".
The underlying implication here is that these people – cultural experts, cultural producers, heritage experts, et al – are being called upon to provide 'professional advice'. If not, why call upon them to offer council the benefit of their professional experience and expertise.
Despite being typically the least able members community to 'freely' volunteer their time, experience and expertise these people are apparently being called upon to yet again to 'volunteer' their time, and their expertise, and their hard won experience 'without a reward of any kind'.
If that is not what is on offer here, then what is? Is this committee to be populated with dilettantes able to give freely of their time for that euphemistic "warm and fuzzy feeling"? If it is why bother?
Interestingly, those with established networks in the community are being called upon yet again to volunteer their experience and expertise on the assumption that they and/or their employers and communities, are well enough endowed to be able to give freely of their time and hard won experience. And, all that at the expense of income opportunities quite often.
Interestingly, council is unlikely to set up a committee of engineers, trades people, whatever, without offering some kind of 'reward'. In reality, it would be contentious if they did, given that few would take up the 'flattering offer' without some kind of remuneration – sometimes euphemistically called a 'backhand kick back' or 'first bite of the cherry' arrangement.
Typically the people who offer their free advice are those who have no use for that advice themselves anyway. As the proverbs say "free advice is worth exactly what you have just paid for it". None of us are likely to accept free specialist medical advice from a enthusiastic health dilettante and trust it implicitly. So why should we – council or ratepayers – expect to trust free advice on cultural matters – if it actually matters at all.
Against this background, now might well be the time to 'seriously reconsider' the circumstance under which 'expert council committees' are established.
Ratepayers are all too aware of the fees paid to 'independent experts' for advice to satisfy SECTION 65 of the Act. If these 'committees' are offering 'expert advice' their membership needs to be treated with the kind of respect other experts are given and deserve.
On the other hand, if council is 'not seeking independent advice' – frank and free advice – why go through the pointless charade of inconsequential 'window dressing' while using up the resources of people with 'cultural expertise'?
Why not reward the delivery of free and frank advice, if it is in fact 'expert advice'? Why expose professionals to the distain of non-experts making adverse decisions and determinations about their expertise?
If the answer is 'let's flatter them' and do what we want to whatever, that would be totally cynical exercise not worthy of a representative and accountable 'council'.
Against this background it is recommended that:
1. In setting up any committee of the kind indicated in the press, ratepayers and other interested people be invited to nominate candidates setting out their relevant expertise and experience. Also, it is recommended that candidates from locations beyond the Municipality of Launceston be sought in order that the most appropriate candidates be available for eventual appointment.
2. In setting up any committee of the kind indicated, it is recommended that nominations be sought for an independent person to take up the position of Chairperson; and
- That she/he be provided with an unambiguous Charter for the committee that;
- Clearly sets out the committee's purpose; and
- Clearly articulates the committee's objectives; and
- Clearly within the objectives provide an item that addresses Aboriginal, natural and built heritage; and
- Clearly informs the committee members of Council's rationale for establishing the committee; and that
- Sets out the scope of the Chairperson's authority and tenure; and
- Provides for an appropriate Chairpersons' Allowance.
3. Any committee of the kind indicated, all councillors and council staff serve on the committee ex-officio without the benefit of any additional payment. Moreover, a council officer be assigned to provide appropriate secretarial services in support of the Chairperson.
4. Any committee of the kind indicated, all non-councillors serving on the committee will be 'directly accountable' to council's elected representatives and remunerated for their services via:
- An appropriate sitting fee;
- An appropriate Chairpersons allowance;
- Approved travel expenses when and where required; and
- All other approved out-of-pocket expenses. ... See this link
5. Any committee of the kind indicated, the Chairperson will be the committee's 'designated spokesperson' and all communications from the committee will be channeled directly through the Chairperson to Council and other bodies when and where appropriate. Moreover, all councillors may attend meeting as 'observers' in order that they may gain better understandings' of the committee's advice and work.
6. Any committee of the kind indicated, will report openly, and on the record, to council at its regular meetings, following its own meetings, and in regard to advice it is offering to council – and by extension council staff, ratepayers and the wider community.
A Cultural Advisory Committee is on the cards for the City of Launceston to help boost arts and culture.
The new committee body would consist of up to eight members of the public with the relevant qualifications and experience.
The experiences sought after will be in arts and culture, place making, cultural tourism and events, recreation and leisure, marketing and promotions, and community engagement.As well as the eight public members, three council staff and two elected members will also make up the committee.
Mayor Albert van Zetten said the primary purpose of the committee was to collaborate with the council's creative arts and cultural services, and community and place networks, to provide advice on matters relating to cultural development.
"This body will also assist council with the implementation of the inaugural Cultural Strategy, and to help promote awareness and understanding of arts and culture in Launceston," he said.
"We are also hoping to attract practising artists or industry professionals who have a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges experienced by community-based arts and cultural groups and organisations, as well as those with already established networks in the community.
"We see this committee as being an integral part of our cultural journey as a council and as a city, as well as being strong and fearless advocates for arts and culture in Launceston."
At this stage, it has been proposed the committee will meet bi-monthly, and at other times if necessary.
The initial term of appointment will be up to two years, and then representatives will be able to apply and be considered beyond the initial term.
The appointments must be endorsed by the council, and council members will not be remunerated for their services.
An expressions of interest is expected to be advertised after the May 20 council meeting, when councillors will consider terms of reference.
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