Queensland Subordinate Legislation as Made

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTORAL (2020 QUADRENNIAL ELECTION) REGULATION 2020 - REG 12

12 Insertion of new ch 8, pt 2A

Chapter 8 —
insert—

Part 2A - Additional provisions for council meetings

255A What this part is about This part provides additional provisions for meetings of the council to minimise serious risks to health and safety of persons caused by the public health emergency involving COVID–19.

255B Definition for part In this part—

"teleconferencing" means the use of a telephone, video conferencing equipment or other means of instant communication that allows a person to take part in discussions as they happen.

255C Meetings held by teleconferencing

(1) The council may hold a meeting of the council by teleconferencing.

(2) A councillor taking part in a meeting under subsection (1) is taken to be present at the meeting.

(3) This section applies despite section 245(4).

255D Participating in meeting by teleconferencing

(1) This section applies to a meeting of the council held at a place mentioned in section 245(4).

(2) The chairperson of the council may allow a person to take part in the meeting by teleconferencing.

(3) A councillor taking part in a meeting under subsection (2) is taken to be present at the meeting.

255E Public availability of meetings held or participated in by teleconferencing

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a meeting of the council is held by teleconferencing; or

(b) a person takes part in a meeting of the council by teleconferencing.

(2) The council must ensure the meeting is available for real-time viewing or listening by the public at 1 of the council’s public offices or on the council’s website.

(3) This section does not apply if the meeting is to be closed under section 255 or 255F.

255F Public access to particular meetings

(1) This section applies if the chairperson of the council is satisfied it is not practicable for the public to attend a meeting of the council because of health and safety reasons associated with the public health emergency involving COVID–19.

(2) The chairperson of the council may decide, by notice published on the council’s website, that the meeting be closed to the public.

(3) This section applies despite sections 249 and 255.

255G Expiry This part expires on 30 June 2021.