Councillor Conduct Framework is under review
Strong and thriving communities need effective local government. No other level of government is as close to the issues and people.
The Councillor Conduct Framework (Framework) is under review with the aim to facilitate and support local decision making.
Effective local government comes when councillors are visibly in control of their councils. How councillors act and how appropriately and transparently decisions are made at meetings is critical in demonstrating to the community that their elected representatives understand the consequences of their decisions, and then make the best possible decisions they can for their community as a whole.
It is intended that the revised Framework will be based on the following principles of change:
- Council leadership and decision making is paramount
- Freedom of speech is fundamental
- Transparency and accountability are maintained
- Issues are dealt with at the most immediate or local level
- A strong and proportionate local government regulator
- Justice is timely and proportionate
- Significant penalties should only be imposed by a judicial or quasi-judicial body
The Councillor conduct and meeting practices – a discussion paper was released on 5 September 2024 seeking the views of the general public, councils, individual councillors and council staff.
Submissions closed on 29 November 2024 and the Office of Local Government thanks those who provided input to the reform.
Submissions are currently being assessed to determine a path forward.