Deputations
🏛️ Want to Speak to Council?
Have your say through a Deputation
A deputation is your opportunity to speak directly to Council at a formal meeting about an issue that matters to you or your community.
ℹ️ What is a Deputation?
A deputation is a short presentation made to Council during a meeting. It allows individuals or groups to:
- Raise concerns
- Share ideas or feedback
- Provide information on local issues
👥 Who can apply?
Anyone can request a deputation, including:
- Residents
- Community groups
- Businesses and organisations
📌 What can I speak about?
Your topic must relate to Council responsibilities, such as:
- Local services and infrastructure
- Community wellbeing
- Council projects or decisions
🚫 Council generally cannot consider:
- Matters outside its responsibilities (see below for clarification)
- Issues currently in legal proceedings
- Previously decided matters (without new information)
If your request relates to one of these areas, we recommend contacting the relevant State or Federal authority.
Matters outside Council’s responsibility
Council can only consider issues that fall within its legal functions. This generally excludes matters such as policing, hospitals, schools, courts, public housing, and most utilities or State-managed roads.
📝 How to apply
Step-by-step:
- Read the Deputation Request Guidelines
- Complete the Deputation Request Form
- Clearly outline your topic
- Submit your request at least 7 days before the meeting - click here to check Council Meeting dates
🔘 Submit a Deputation Request
👉 Complete a Deputation Request by clicking here and submit to Council.
⏱️ What happens next?
- Your request will be reviewed
- You will be notified of the outcome
- If approved, you’ll receive meeting details
🎤 What happens at the meeting?
If approved:
- You’ll have up to 5 minutes to speak
- You must state your name and address
- Council Members may ask questions
⚠️ Please note:
- This is not a debate
- Council may not make a decision at that meeting
📎 Supporting information
You can provide:
- Documents
- Handouts
- Presentations
These may become part of the public record.
⚖️ Important information
- Meetings are public and may be recorded or livestreamed
- Your name, address, and comments will be recorded
- You must speak respectfully
- Defamatory or offensive comments are not permitted
📞 Need help?
If you need assistance or are unsure whether a deputation is appropriate please contact us:
📱 (08) 8671 0010
📧 roxby@roxbycouncil.com.au