Stirling Hinchliffe
September 9, 2018
The State Government has released the new Councillor Code of Conduct which aims to define the minimum behaviour required by elected representatives.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new Code would take effect in December.
He said it had a strong focus on “three Rs”:
- That councillors carry out responsibilities conscientiously and in the best interests of the council and the community;
- They treat people in a reasonable, just, respectful and non-discriminatory way; and
- Ensure their conduct does not reflect adversely on the reputation of the council.
“Face-to-face training is available to all councillors to ensure they are fully aware of and ready to comply with the Code when it comes in on December 3 this year,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“I’m encouraged that more than 35 councils have already signed up for training and I urge the others to do the same in the interests of good governance and their ratepayers.”
Mr Hinchliffe said a range of tough penalties would apply to those who breach the Code when it takes effect.
“Councillors who break the Code of Conduct can be reprimanded or ordered to attend training or counselling,” he said.
“They can also be ordered to publicly admit they’ve engaged in inappropriate conduct or be excluded from stated local government meetings.
“A Councillor in breach of the code can also be ordered to reimburse the local government for all or some of the costs arising from the Councillor’s inappropriate conduct.
“This is a vital part of the next wave of local government reforms, which aim to ensure all Councils serve their communities openly and honestly and adhere to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
All Councillors must declare that they will abide by this Code of Conduct when they are elected.
It applies to all Councils, except Brisbane City Council which has a separate Code.
- External link: The new Code of Conduct
