Statewide review of councillor conduct

The state’s Office of Local Government (OLG) has put councillor conduct in NSW under review.

“Effective local government comes when councillors are visibly in control of their councils,”  deputy secretary Brett Whitworth said.

“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,” he said.

The statewide review comes at the same time as the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig is set to impose limitations on decisions the newly elected Central Coast councillors will be able to make for one year.

The new framework discussion paper, Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practices, will seek the views of the community, key stakeholders, and the local government sector about the proposed changes.

The revised framework will be based on the principles of change including: council leadership and decision-making paramount; freedom of speech fundamental; transparency and accountability maintained; issues dealt with at the most immediate or local level; a strong and proportionate local government regulator; justice timely and proportionate; and significant penalties imposed by a judicial or quasi-judicial body.

Submissions should be made by November 15 at: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/misconduct-and-intervention/councillor-conduct-framework/

The statewide review is different to the Performance Improvement Order to be imposed on the Coast’s new councillors.

Merilyn Vale