Recent analysis of Kiama Council’s 12 January 2025 Agenda committee meeting minutes raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of its advisory committees in fulfilling their intended role. These concerns stem from the lack of explicit advice reflected in the committee meeting minutes themselves. 

Of concern are agenda items listed under Section 12 of the Ordinary Meeting agenda, which include minutes from the Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee, Blue Haven Advisory Committee, and Finance Advisory Committee.

The lack of explicit recommendations provided in the committee minutes raises questions as to whether these committees are being treated as procedural necessities rather than meaningful contributors to governance.

Issues include a lack of actionable outcomes, where committee recommendations, often lack clear follow-through or measurable impact on council decisions.

Concerns have also been raised that critical input from committees is sometimes sidelined or diluted, raising questions about the value placed on their advice.

The role of committees must be viewed within the broader context of governance and accountability at Kiama Council. Transparency deficits will only leave the community questioning whether committee operations are genuinely transparent or merely performative.

If committees are unable to provide effective and explicit advice to the body of Council, this points to a systemic governance issue that extends beyond Kiama Council to broader local government practices in NSW.

 For committees to play a meaningful role, Kiama Council must establish clear mandates and expectations for committee contributions, focusing on actionable outcomes.  

To enhance transparency council must commit to regular and detailed reporting on committee activities, including the status of recommendations, and develop feedback loops to ensure community input and committee advice are integrated into decision-making processes.

Advisory committees are a critical component of effective governance, but their potential remains unrealised at Kiama Council, wasting the wealth of talent and expertise within our community.

Without significant reforms, these committees risk becoming symbolic entities rather than drivers of meaningful change.

By addressing these challenges head-on, the council can restore faith in its governance processes and demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency.