The Governance Pentagon

Norman Waterhouse is pleased to offer a brand new 5-part series ‘The Governance Pentagon’.

Our Governance Team has handcrafted a series of workshops designed to provide you with specialist knowledge, insights and practical tips to assist you in navigating key governance issues.

Join our Principals Felice D’Agostino and Dale Mazzachi as they guide you through the Governance Pentagon. This series will be running throughout the year and will occur on the second Wednesday bimonthly.

TOPICS COVERED:

Session 1: Council member access to information;
Wednesday, 12 March 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Kicking off the series this March, we will explore the mechanisms by which members may request access to information and documents including the requirements when making requests and the limits on access.

Topics covered include:

• Section 61 of the Local Government Act 1999;
• Questions with and without notice;
• Regulation 18 of the Local Government (Procedures at Meetings) Regulations 2013; and
• Freedom of Information Act 1991.

Session 2: Unreasonable complaint conduct;
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

In session 2 we will explore unreasonable complainant conduct as well as the mechanisms to manage and deal with (or not deal with) inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by complainants in a range of circumstances.

Topics covered include:

• How to identity and respond to unreasonable complainant conduct
• Elements of an unreasonable complainant conduct policy/procedure
• Vexatious complaints
• Protection for Council employees and Council staff

Session 3: Confidentiality
Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

In 2012 the then South Australian Ombudsman recommended that all councils aim to deal with 3% or less of their agenda items in confidence. Session 3 of the Governance Pentagon considers the challenges faced by councils in balancing the provision of open, responsive and accountable government with their confidentiality and privacy obligations.

We will explore:

• Confidentiality requirements and obligations for councils in various circumstances including :
  • Commercial transactions
  • Complaint Management
• Privacy obligations and considerations for councils
• Disclosure requirements including under:
  • Local Government Act 1999
  • Freedom of information Act 1991

Session 4: Meeting procedures
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Session 5: Recent case law
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming sessions!

WHERE
Online and In Person

COST
$110 per person incl. GST