[Greens-Media] Positive first steps on local government code of conduct reform

[David Shoebridge]

Media Release: Positive first steps on local government code of conduct reform
13 November 2012
In answers to questions on notice asked by the Greens in this year's budget estimates session, the government has revealed that local councils will now be required to document and report on code of conduct complaints made in their area. This is a welcome first step, according to Greens NSW Local Government spokesperson David Shoebridge.
 
"The local government Code of Conduct has a sorry history of being used as a political tool for partisan attacks on political opponents," Mr Shoebridge said. 
 
"One of the real problems was a complete lack of accountability, with councils not being required to keep comprehensive records or report code of conduct complaints.
 
"A good way to clamp down on poor councillor behaviour and the misuse of the Model Code of Conduct is to increase transparency and accountability by ensuring that all councils are reporting data about complaints.
 
"Research by the Greens in 2011 revealed that there was little if any consistency in complaints record keeping across councils in NSW.
 
"At some councils, hundreds of complaints were being made, many of them potentially vexatious. No one would have known about these complaints unless the Greens had asked.
 
"With co-operation from NSW local councils, accurate record keeping will be of great benefit to local communities and the local government sector as a whole.
 
"It is also positive that the government is moving to clamp down on the ability of councillors to make anonymous vexatious complaints against their political opponents.
 
"It was important to strike a balance between ending the culture of anonymous and vexatious complaints and the necessity, under certain circumstances, for the identity of complainants to be withheld.  
 
"The Greens welcome these first attempts by the government to improve the Model Code of Conduct so that it performs its prime function of delivering clear guidelines for behaviour for local councillors.
 
"The main area of concern remaining is in relation to councillors being able to vote on items where they have a direct financial interest.
 
"The government passed legislation earlier this year which loosens regulations surrounding the ability of councillors to vote on matters which enrich themselves.
 
"If the government does not clear up this matter in the regulations and the Model Code of Conduct, all of the other positive steps forward may be in vain," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
Media contact: Mark Riboldi 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376
 
View the questions on notice online here: http://davidshoebridge.org.au/2012/11/13/positive-first-steps-on-local-government-code-of-conduct-reform/ 

 
 
 

 
David Shoebridge
Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council
P: (02) 9230 3030 |Media: 0433 753 376 |T: @ShoebridgeMLC ( http://twitter.com/#!/shoebridgemlc )
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