A Code of Conduct for Local Government Councillors
Queensland councillors are being held more accountable for their actions following the March introduction of a mandatory code of conduct for councils.
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle said the Code of Conduct outlined appropriate standards of behaviour for all councillors and made councillors accountable for breaches to these standards.
Ms Boyle said: “The new Councillor Code of Conduct holds councillors to a higher standard of behaviour and clearly spells out what is considered appropriate.
“Councils had the option of developing their own code or implementing a model code developed by the State Government. About 20 councils so far have adopted a modified version of the code, with all others adopting the model code.
“The Department of Local Government has held more than 50 one-day training workshops across the State to help councillors and council employees better understand the code and I am pleased to say almost 700 people have attended.
“The training covered the requirements of the code, how councils should implement it and how alleged breaches of the code should be addressed,” she said.
Ms Boyle said a small handful of councillors had expressed concern the code was being used to gag councillors who were unhappy with council decisions, but she said the code should not be used in that way.
“As with anything new, there will be a settling in period where people will try out the new system. That’s to be expected, and in fact should be welcomed, as a way of making sure the particular council has it all in place and working properly.
“The code does not prevent councillors from talking to the community or to the media. What is does is set standards that prevent communication that could result in a councillor receiving a personal or financial gain - that is clearly inappropriate.
“The code ensures there are penalties if councillors misrepresent an agreed council policy or position by presenting their own opinions as council policy,” Ms Boyle said.
These standards for communication are based on to the Code of Ethical Standards to which State MP’s adhere.
“If councillors accused of breaching the code disagree with the outcome, they are encouraged to take their concerns to the Queensland Ombudsman.
“My Department will be keeping a close eye on the implementation, use and misuse of the Code of Conduct framework.
“Each council will be required to report on the way their code has been applied, and councils’ annual reports must give details about complaints and code breaches,” Ms Boyle said.
