LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILLORS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:07): My questions to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, representing the Minister for the Public Sector, are:

1. Can the minister advise how many public servants, police officers or other government staff (including ministerial staff) are also local government councillors.

2. Are these staff required to obtain approval from their respective departments to engage as councillors?

3. How frequently are they required to obtain this approval?

4. What administrative arrangements are in place for councillors to attend council business during core working hours?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:08): I thank the honourable member for his important questions and will refer them to the relevant minister in another place and bring back a response.