3 QUESTIONS FOR LAUNCESTON'S MAYOR AND ALL COUNCILLORS

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8.1.1. Public Question on Notice - Ray Norman - Delegated Authorities - 1 March 2023 FILE NO: SF6381 AUTHOR: Anthea Rooney (Council and Committees Officer) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Michael Stretton

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES: The following question, submitted to the Council in writing on 1 March 2023 by Ray Norman, has been answered by Michael Stretton (Chief Executive Officer).

Questions: 1. Given that it is a prudent, judicious and sound administrative practice and despite the Mayor deeming that it would be too difficult to do, will Council - that is the 12 elected representatives on Council - now move with some urgency to remove All Delegated Authorities from the Council’s Register of Delegated Authorities and over time assign the Delegated Authorities to the appropriate people who currently have the appropriate qualifications and skill sets to hold the delegated authority assigned to them when and if the need arises? 

Response: At this point in time there is no intention to alter the current practice of assigning or administering Delegated Authorities within the Council. Councillors, should they wish to have the practice altered or reviewed, have the opportunity to raise any concerns in a variety of discussion forums whilst undertaking their role as an elected member. The response provided in the Council Agenda of 15 December 2022 provides clear details of the functioning of the Council's Delegations Register. It has been reproduced for reference. … Delegations enhance efficiency at the City of Launceston by devolving the execution of administrative matters and functions to appropriate levels within the organisation. The City of Launceston’s Delegations Register is publicly available via www.launceston.tas.gov.au. The Delegations Register clearly indicates the functions and powers that have been delegated by a decision of Council. Decisions of Council are frequently sought in relation to the review of delegations, or to respond to changes in legislation

8.1.2. Public Question on Notice - Ray Norman - Intellectual Property Concerns FILE NO: SF6381 AUTHOR: Anthea Rooney (Council and Committees Officer) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Michael Stretton .

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES: The following question, submitted to the Council in writing on 1 March 2023 by Ray Norman, has been answered by Dan Ryan (General Manager Community and Place Network). 

Questions: 1. Given that, in regard to the ownerships of intellectual property, the Council has been found to be poorly informed, in regard to intellectual property (IP) rights, the moral rights of authors, the payment of appropriate fees to cultural producers and copyright law generally, will Council now ensure that all appropriate staff and all Councillors are adequately briefed in regard to IP rights, the moral right of authors, current conventions in the field and the appropriate sources of advice and especially so given that the Council has been seen to be wanting in the past and at the expense of ratepayers and there being a current instance? 

Response: A response to a previous Question on Notice from Mr Norman regarding the Council's understanding of copyright appeared in the Council Agenda of 21 April 2022. The response detailed the Council's approach to its obligations under the Copyright Act 1968. The Council has conducted a number of workshops and seminars for its staff regarding the issues of copyright in the workplace. Access to professional development opportunities for Councillors around such topics are provided as required. 

8.1.3. Public Questions on Notice - Ray Norman - Housing Crisis FILE NO: SF6381 AUTHOR: Anthea Rooney (Council and Committees Officer) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Michael Stretton .

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES: The following question, submitted in writing to the Council on 1 March 2023 by Ray Norman, has been answered by Dan Ryan (General Manager Community and Place Network).

Questions: 1. Given the State Government’s somewhat concerning disinclination to act, against audible community concern and distress, the increasing numbers of people in the municipality dealing with housing stress and the reported large number of vacant residential properties in the municipality and properties that are reportedly deliberately left vacant for long periods of time in order to win a some financial cum taxation advantage, against this background, will the Council maintain a register of currently vacant residential properties that the Council ensures has their access to power and water removed and that are required to display a metre square sign at the front of the property denoting that it is a registered vacant residential property. 

Response: The Council has no plans to initiate or maintain a register of currently vacant residential properties within the Municipality, nor is it within Council’s remit to apply for or request disconnection of services such as power and water with regard to privately owned properties. The Council does not intend to request that property owners display any signage that denotes that a property is vacant and considers that such notification would contribute to vandalism and other related issues.