The simple answer to the question, should staff briefings to councillors be open to the public? (CCN 464) is absolutely yes.
Both councillors and council staff are representatives/employees of the ratepayers/residents and as such their activities should be open to public scrutiny.
Keeping such “briefings “ behind closed doors begs the question: What are you hiding?
Transparency in the public process is an essential cornerstone of democratic trust.
The fact that state and federal ministers receive confidential briefings is vastly different; that relates to state and national security.
Local government activities should be limited to local issues such as roads, rates and rubbish.
Email, Nov 14
Barry Lloyd, Bateau Bay