Apply to speak at a Council or Committee Meeting

Members of the public may speak on agenda items provided they give written notice to the General Manager before 12 noon on the day of the meeting.

How do I arrange to speak at a meeting?

There are several ways you can indicate your interest in speaking at a Council or Committee meeting. They are as follows:

  • Complete our online form
  • visit our Customer Service Centre at 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham and complete a Request to Address form.

If you are unable to use one of the above options, please contact one of our Citizens' Service Officers on 9335 2222 and they will take your details and submit your request on your behalf.

What happens after I submit the form?

After completing the online form, a notice will appear on the page confirming that it has been sent to Council. Your request will then be added to a list that is shown to the Councillors on the night of the meeting.

Are there any rules for speaking at a Council or Committee Meeting?

The following rules apply when addressing a Council or Committee meeting:

  • each item before the Council/Committee is restricted to three speakers for and three speakers against the recommendation;
  • keep your address to the point, the time allowed for each speaker is limited to three minutes with one extension of not more than three minutes with the approval of the Council/Committee. This time limit applies, no matter how many items are addressed by the speaker;
  • when addressing the Meeting you must speak to the Chairperson;
  • the Chairperson may curtail public participation where the information being presented is considered repetitive or irrelevant; and
  • Councillors will not enter into general debate with, or ask questions of, speakers.

Where Items are deferred, Councillors reserve the right to defer speakers until that Item is heard on the next occasion.

Need more information?

For more information on speaking at Council or Committee meetings, please contact the Business Paper Coordinator on 9335 2024 or email bpc@marrickville.nsw.gov.au.