New Draft Code of Conduct 2019

You’re invited to comment on the draft Code of Conduct Policy before Monday 13 May 2019.

The Draft Code of Conduct provides details of the minimum ethical and behavioural standards expected of council officials who service our community. It provides clear guidance to council officials (Councillors, staff and delegates of council) and promotes transparency and accountability.

The Draft Code of Conduct consolidates ethical standards for council into a single document and promotes community confidence in the decisions Council makes and the functions it exercises on behalf of the community and the institution of local government.

The Draft Code of Conduct covers rules governing

• gifts and mandatory reporting
• ongoing disclosure requirements
• misconduct
• fraud and corruption prevention
• discrimination and harassment
• bullying
• work, health and safety
• access to information
• maintenance of council records
• relationships between council officials
• internet access and use of social media

Making a Submission

View the policy and report and submit your comments before Monday 13 May 2019:

• by completing a submission survey below; or
• in writing to the General Manager at Willoughby City Council, PO Box 57, Chatswood NSW 2057; or
• email to email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Please note all submissions are public documents and may be made available or reproduced in Council reports.

Enquiries: Eva Martinez, Policy and Submissions Specialist on 9777 1000

Further Information

An updated version of the policy is required to be adopted in line with the New Model Code of Conduct for Local Council’s in NSW issued by the State Government.

The Model Code updates and supplements the existing provisions. It is written in a less legalistic fashion and is easier to follow. It consolidates all ethical standards for local government into a single document resulting in better understanding of and compliance with ethical standards. It will allow pecuniary interest breaches by councillors to be treated as ‘misconduct’.

The draft Willoughby City Council Code of Conduct contains the following elements:

• Mandatory provisions (indicated in black font) that reflect the existing provisions of the Act and update and enhance the conduct provisions. Note that these provisions are based on the new Model Code of Conduct and cannot be modified if Council is to have a code consistent with the new Model Code.
• Supplementary provisions (indicated in blue font) from Council’s current Code of Conduct.
• Supplementary provisions (indicated in green font) from Council’s current policies.
• Supplementary best practice provisions (indicated in purple font) not in Council’s existing policies. These set a benchmark based on what is seen as best practice for the relevant area of practice.

The draft policy is based on the New Model Code of Conduct and contains details and supplementary provisions relating to;

• fraud and corruption prevention
• internet access and use of social media

Council is required to update its policy by the 14^th June 2019.

Legislation requires public notice to be given and public submissions invited prior to the policy going back to Council for approval.

The updated Code of Conduct allows Council to meet its legislative requirements. The public exhibition provides the community with the opportunity provide feedback prior to it being presented to Council for its consideration before adoption.