Section 28 E of the Local Government Act 1993 requires that a council adopt a code of conduct that is consistent with the Act, addresses any prescribed matters and be reviewed within 12 months after an ordinary election. Moreover, Regulation 22A of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 prescribes that each council code of conduct must contain a number of elements. These include
- Conflicts of interest
- The use of the office of councillor, mayor or deputy mayor,
- The use of council resources
- The giving and receiving of gifts and benefits
- Relationships with the community, other councillors and council employees
- The representation of the council
In order to assist councils in meeting their obligations under the Act and Regulations LGAT has developed a Model Code of Conduct, a Code of Conduct Fact Sheet and a Code of Conduct Complaint Form as a resource available to councils should they wish to use it when reviewing and updating their Council Code of Conduct. The use of the Model is not mandatory.
