The New South Wales Government has announced a final period of public consultation for the amended Model Code of Conduct for NSW Councils, which will aim to improve the standards of ethics and behavior that is expected of councillors and council staff.

 

The amendments made to the Model Code of Conduct during 12 months of analysis and periods of public comment, ensure it can no longer be used by feuding councillors for political gain, aim to reduce the often large costs to councils when investigating Code of Conduct matters, and extend and clarify the bans on gifts to councillors and council staff.

 

“I requested that the Division of Local Government review the Code and put their findings on public display, for comment. Submissions came from Councils, Code of Conduct reviewers, unions and industry bodies, MPs, ICAC, the Ombudsman, and the public,” State Minister for Local Government Don Page said.

 

“Now, towards the end of that process, I am pleased to announce that the Model Code of Conduct has been amended to further improve professional standards in councils, for the benefit of council staff, elected councillors, and ratepayers who deal with their Council.”

 

The full code of conduct draft can be found here