Public Question Time
Residents are welcome to submit questions for Council Meetings. Each person may ask up to three questions, with priority given to questions relating to items on the meeting agenda. Questions, including any introduction, must be under 300 words.
Before submitting a question, community members are encouraged to consider whether their enquiry is best suited to a public Council Meeting, or whether it may be resolved more efficiently through another channel—particularly for operational matters.
When to Use Alternative Channels
Operational matters are generally best directed to Council's customer service team or online systems, including:
- Service requests (e.g., rubbish collection, road repairs, tree maintenance)
- Maintenance issues or reporting problems
- General enquiries about Council services or opening hours
- Requests for information that can be provided directly by Council staff
- Applications or permit enquiries
These matters can typically be addressed faster through:
How to Submit a Public Question
Questions must be submitted in writing using the form available on Council’s website or at Council Meetings. If more than three questions are submitted by the same person, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will select three to be considered. If you wish to present your question verbally during the meeting, please indicate this clearly on the form.
Submission deadlines:
- In person: before the meeting begins (7.00 pm). Print the form Once printed, you will need to submit it in person prior to 7pm of the Council Meeting night.
- Online/electronically: by 12.00 pm on the day of the meeting.
The information requested in this form is collected by Greater Dandenong City Council to respond to your question. Your name, suburb and question may be read out at the Council meeting and will be recorded in the Council meeting minutes but will not be used for any other purpose unless required by law.
If you have any questions regarding the collection of your personal information, please contact Council’s Information Privacy officer on 8571 1000.
What Public Questions Can Be Accepted?
A question can be presented at the meeting only if it:
- does not contain confidential information under the Local Government Act 2020
- relates to a matter that Council has the authority to act on
- is not defamatory, abusive, offensive, or intended to embarrass any person (Please refer to Council’s Governance Rules - 222 KB to ensure compliance)
- is not a repeat of a question already asked or answered at a previous meeting.
If a question cannot be accepted, the Chair or CEO will inform the meeting. The question will still be made available to Councillors upon request.
During the Meeting
- Accepted questions may be asked verbally by the submitter.
- The Chair, CEO or delegate will direct the question to an appropriate Director or staff member.
- A question may be taken on notice if research is needed. A written response will be provided within 10 working days.
- No debate or discussion is permitted, except for clarification.
- Public Question Time runs for up to 20 minutes, unless extended by Council resolution.
- All questions and responses are recorded in the Council meeting Minutes which are typically available the Monday after the Council meeting at Council Meetings | Greater Dandenong Council
Virtual Council Meetings
If a Council Meeting is held virtually, all accepted questions submitted in advance will be read aloud by the Chair or an authorised officer on behalf of the submitter.