INDUCTION PROGRAM
Elected Members Induction Framework
Following the Local Government elections in October 2015, the Interim CEO / CEO is required to
induct the newly elected members as soon as possible. Local Governments operate in a highly
complex and diversified environment therefore it is essential that elected members understand their
role and responsibilities, key issues and the operations of the Local Government.
The Department of Local Government and Communities (DLGC) provides information to assist local
governments with the development and implementation of the elected member induction process with
many local governments currently implementing a well documented and effective induction program.
The reform process however will inevitably have an impact on current elected member induction
frameworks which will now require a full review. Below is a best practice guide developed by the City
of Joondalup that outlines a comprehensive induction program that is reviewed bi-annually by the
CEO and the governance business unit. The following guide can be modified to deliver the induction
program for the Commissioner.
To support the implementation of the induction program, the City of Joondalup has developed
strategies to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of their induction program is maintained at the
highest of levels.
These strategies include:
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The induction program is prioritised with no other council meetings scheduled during the
induction phase (approximately 3 weeks).
The induction program is supported by a comprehensive Elected Members Induction Manual
and Elected Members Welcome Pack.
The program is reviewed bi-annually and customised to suit the make-up of the newly elected
Council.
Executive staff are allocated to elected members new to Local Government to support them
through the induction process.
Capable guest speakers (current and previous elected members from Local Government,
business professionals etc) present on specific topics and share their experiences.
A mock Council meeting is undertaken.
Elected members are surveyed after the induction program to seek feedback on the process,
their learnings and to identify areas for improvement.
Detailed briefing papers are developed specifically to outline major projects and services.
Example of Elected Members’ Welcome Pack*
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Welcome message for the CEO
Outline of elected member induction program
Swearing-In Ceremony
 Election of Mayor / Deputy Mayor
 Appointments to Regional Councils and WALGA North Metro Zone and the
appointments process
 Appointments to the City’s Art Collection and Advisory Committee
Car parking and access to the Civic Centre
Personal information and contact details
Declaration of electoral gifts
Example of Elected members’ Induction Manual*
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
PART 1 – General overview of the City of Joondalup
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Joondalup emblem
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Key City statistics
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Events, activities and promotions
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City of Joondalup ward structure
PART 2 – Governance
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Overview
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Good governance in Local Government
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Good governance at the City
PART 3 – Roles and working relationships
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The role of Local Government
Majority rule versus good governance
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The role of Council
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The role of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
The Mayor
Deputy Mayor
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The role of Councillors
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The role of the CEO and the organisation
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Working relationships
Working relationships with other elected members
Working relationships with employees
PART 4 – Elected member responsibilities
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Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007
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City of Joondalup Code of Conduct
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Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC)
Overview
Definition of ‘misconduct’
Obligations to report misconduct
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Conflicts of interest
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Primary Returns and Annual Returns
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Receiving gifts and disclosure
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Recordkeeping and freedom of information (FOI)
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Access to information and confidentiality
Access and use of confidential information
Access to other information
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Protection from liability
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Comments to the media
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Social media platforms
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Representation on external organisational board and working groups
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Appropriate use of City property and equipment
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Civic function, receptions and events
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Dress standards
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Alcohol consumption and responsible service of alcohol, Smoking
PART 5 – Elected members entitlements and support
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Overview
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Meeting fees and allowance
Mayor and Deputy Mayor annual Allowance
Meeting attendance fee
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allowance
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Reimbursement of specified expenses
Motor vehicle and bicycle travel expenses
Child care expenses
Office furniture / equipment expenses
Other specific expenses
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Issues equipment and stationery
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Use of on-line services and computer equipment
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Conference allowance and attendance
WALGA training and development
Diploma in Local Government (Elected Member)
Access to the Civic Centre and use of facilities
Civic Centre building
Access and parking
Office facilities and secretarial support
Friday bag delivery
Access to corporate documents
Elected member portal (Mobile Echo)
Customer requests, complaints and compliments
Elected member dining, meals and refreshments
Friday evening dinners
Insurance
PART 6 – Decision-making
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Decision-making process
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Meetings
Council meetings
Special council meetings
Committee meetings
Strategy sessions and Briefing sessions
Meeting schedule
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Other meetings
Annual General Meeting of Electors
Special electors’ meetings
Workshops
Working groups and reference groups
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Meeting procedures and quorum for meetings
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Apologies and leave of absence
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Agenda and Minutes
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Disclose of conflicts of interests
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Motions
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Voting
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Public participation at meetings
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Petitions
PART 7 – Corporate direction and management
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Strategic Community Plan
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Corporate Business plan
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Expenditure and Annual Budgeting
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Appropriate expenditure of public funds
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Request for works by elected members
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Budget review
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Financial management and reporting
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20 year Strategic Financial Plan
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Annual report
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Local laws
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Policies
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Compliance auditing and statutory reporting
PART 8 – City Services and operations
After hours service
PART 9 – Industry bodies and supporting local government
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The Department of Local Government and Communities
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Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
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Australian Local Government Woman’s Association (ALGWA)
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Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA)
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Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA)
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Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG)
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UTS: Centre for Local government
PART 10 - The History of the City
*courtesy of the City of Joondalup
Elected Member Induction Framework | Page
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