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Codes of Conduct

Codes of Conduct

Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 1995 and is to be observed by Council Members, Committee Members, Candidates and Employees. Having good codes of conduct that are understood and supported is critical for good governance.

Section 5.104 of the Act requires that local governments adopt the Model Code as their Code of Conduct within three months of the Regulations coming into operation (by 3 May 2021). In accordance with section 5.104(4), the Model Code applies until the local government adopts it as their Code. This means that the principles, behaviour requirements and rules of conduct of the Regulations apply to council members, committee members and candidates even if their local government has not yet adopted the Model Code.

COUNCIL MEMBERS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS & CANDIDATES  Employees

A Code of Conduct covers many issues including:

  • Misuse of position;
  • Conflict of Interest and Gifts and Benefits;
  • Accessing confidential information;
  • Improper direction or influence;
  • Use of Council resources and facilities; and
  • Reporting suspected breaches of the Code.

 

Rules of Conduct

Elected Members are also required to abide by the Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007. The legislation specifies rules which are intended to prevent Elected Members engaging in inappropriate behaviour such as securing personal advantage, misusing local government resources and improper conduct. 

The Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007 applies to complaints made by members of the public or other Elected members about an alleged breach of the Local Government (Rules of Conduct) Regulations 2007 by an Elected Member(s). The Local Government Standards Panel deals with breaches of these rules of conduct.

Further information about making a complaint is available on the DLGSC website

The Register of Complaints prescribed under Section 5.121(3) of the Local Government Act 1995 is available by clicking below:

Register of Complaints for Minor Breaches