Conflict of interests

The recent Local Government Amendment bill has left City Councillors unable to vote for items that specifically relate to only their ward. It seems recent changes, meant to make things better, have actually left some things even worse. It's interesting how the state government continues to think that Local Government is irresponsible and sets much higher standards for Councils than it does for themselves. At the most recent Council meeting I had to declare a conflict of interest when the Development Assessment Panel members had their term extended (the future of this panel is winding up to another state government ending). However, I can only assume that these recent changes mean that I may no longer be able to vote for, or advocate for Clarence Park Ward with the currents rules. I will seek clarification from staff.