Have your say: Electing the Lord Mayor

Have your say: Electing the Lord Mayor

City of Parramatta Council is inviting the community to share feedback on options for Electing the Lord Mayor. 

Residents will receive a letter and a survey link with more detail available on Participate Parramatta.

The two options for electing a Lord Mayor are defined in the Local Government Act (1993):

    Option 1: Councillors elect the Lord Mayor for a two-year term. The Lord Mayor can then be re-elected or another Councillor elected to the position. This is our current method.

    Option 2: People elect the Lord Mayor by popular vote at the local government election. The Lord Mayor is elected across the entire LGA and serves the full election term (usually four years).
 

To change the way the Lord Mayor is elected, a constitutional Referendum is required. This survey will help Council understand the community's preference and inform further decision-making.

Have your say by 5pm on Monday 15 May 2023.
 

Other ways to have your say:

Email: governance@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 1300 617 058
Post: City of Parramatta Council
PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124
Subject: Lord Mayor Survey

Why is Council conducting a community-wide survey?

This survey fulfils Council's commitment to broad community consultation.
A survey like this is not binding. Council will consider the community’s feedback and other factors before deciding whether to ask this question in a Referendum at the next local government election (September 2024).

Does a popularly elected mayor have any special powers or any additional responsibilities? 

The same powers and responsibilities apply. The only difference is the length of term – two years where the Lord Mayor is appointed by the Councillors; and four years where the Lord Mayor is elected by the people. 

For more Frequently Asked Questions and to complete the survey, visit Participate Parramatta.