Code of Conduct No Images? Click here Special Edition from the LGA President Code of Conduct Update - Tuesday 17 October 2017 Dear Mayors and CouncillorsThe LGA has received strong feedback from members about the code of conduct for elected members. Below is an update on this issue, including a link to our proposal to improve the code. LGA President Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg Code of Conduct As many of you would be aware, the Government has been undertaking a review of the code for more than three years. However, earlier this year, the Premier advised us that he was planning on repealing the code, based on the view that one sphere of government should not be responsible for regulating the behavior of another through a mandatory code. The LGA requested that any decisions regarding the code be delayed to enable local government to consider the issues and determine its own future. Over the past few months we have undertaken extensive consultation with our members on this issue through forums, workshops, and online surveys. We’ve also engaged with other stakeholders including the Ombudsman, ICAC Commissioner and Office of Local Government. The clear message from the sector was that the current Behavioural Code (Part 2) is not effective, but it is important that a code set in regulation still continue to operate for serious matters of misconduct. Based on this consultation, we’ve developed a proposal that was recently endorsed by your LGA Board that outlines new behavioural standards, and processes for managing complaints and investigations for alleged breaches of these standards. The key aspects of our proposal include:
The key benefits of our proposal would include:
The LGA is committed to working as a partner with the State Government on the proposed changes that we’ve outlined in our submission. We have already employed a Sector Development Partner, Rowena McLean, to progress a Prevention to Intervention program, and we have made this a focus of our member engagement. The strong feedback from our sector has been that we need to retain the current code until new processes are fully developed and ready to implement, and we have communicated this position to both the Minister for Local Government and the Premier. The behaviour of council members is – by and large – exemplary. However, we need to stand up as a sector and show our communities that we will not tolerate bullying, harassment and other behaviours that damage the operation and integrity of councils. We cannot allow poor behaviour to threaten the reputation, resilience and relevance of our sector. A stronger code of conduct to deal with serious misconduct issues and improved legislative processes is needed to ensure issues can be resolved efficiently and effectively, and councils can get on with the job of serving their communities. A report on the code of conduct will be presented at our AGM next month, providing councils with an opportunity to demonstrate strength and unity by endorsing the proposal we’ve developed with your input. The State Government is yet to formally respond to our proposal. The LGA will continue to advocate for sensible and practical reforms to be adopted, but your vocal support is crucial. If you think this is important and you want local government to write its own future, contact your local state member of parliament and let them know. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to provide input into this review. It has well and truly been a collaborative effort, and is indicative of our sector’s commitment to continued improvement, and maintaining the highest levels of transparency and integrity. For further information or to submit feedback please email: LGA President or call 08 8224 2000. |