The Department of Local Government , Racing and Multicultural Affairs has developed a series of information pages to help Mayors and Councillors meet their responsibilities and deliver strong leadership for Queensland’s communities.
In a statement accompanying the information, the Department said it was based on the Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland.
It said the Code set out the values that described the types of conduct Councillors should demonstrate under each of the five Local Government principles, and standards of behaviour expected of Councillors and Mayors when carrying out their roles as elected representatives.
“By following the behaviour set out in the Code, Councillors increase public confidence in Local Government and Council decisions,” the Department said.
It said there were different processes to address complaints made against Councillors depending on how serious the alleged conduct was.
“The legislation provides definitions for unsuitable meeting conduct, inappropriate conduct, misconduct and how to deal with instances of corrupt conduct,” the Department said.
“Any conflicts between Councillors’ interests and the public interest must be managed so that the community can have confidence that Councillors are making decisions for the community.”
It said it was important that a Register of Interests be kept to be able to identify material personal interests and conflicts of interest.
The new information covers the principles of good decision-making, including the Local Government principles, what it means to make good decisions, delegated decisions, informed decision-making, community consultation, objectivity and transparency.
It includes Council meeting procedures, how and when meetings should be organised; how meetings were run, the chair’s role, meeting minutes and meeting behaviour.
Links to the information pages can be accessed on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
