Benjamin Millar
Maribyrnong Council is responding to digital advances by considering a move to accepting online petitions.
The council is looking to modify its governance to accommodate the shift to a digitally based environment, including a proposed amendment that would allow the council to accept online petitions.
Acceptance would depend on key criteria including a minimum of 50 authentic signatures at the time the petition was provided to the council, as well as the name, email address and suburb or postcode of each electronic signatory.
Outgoing mayor Michael Clarke said petitions have long played an important role in placing community concerns before the council.
“With the increasing shift to digital platforms we are seeing more and more petitions organised online,” he said.
“Whether paper-based or online, the proposed amendment provides ongoing opportunity for our community to continue to launch a public discussion whether a petition is delivered by hand or by email.”
Feedback on the proposed changes closes November 19 via yourcityyourvoice.com.au/governance-rules-amendment
