The Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (“the Model Code of Conduct”) is made for the purposes of section 440 of the Local Government Act 1993 (“the Act”). Section 440 of the Act requires every council to adopt a code of conduct that incorporates the provisions of the Model Code.
Councillors, administrators, members of staff of council, independent conduct reviewers, members of council committees including a conduct review committee and delegates of the council must comply with the applicable provisions of council's code of conduct in carrying out their functions as council officials. It is the personal responsibility of council officials to comply with the standards in the code and regularly review their personal circumstances with this in mind.
The Model Code of Conduct sets the minimum requirements of conduct for council officials in carrying out their functions. The Model Code is prescribed by regulation.
The Model Code of Conduct has been developed to assist council officials to:
- understand the standards of conduct that are expected of them
- enable them to fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence (section 439)
- act in a way that enhances public confidence in the integrity of local government.
Murray Shire Council adopted The Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (Office of Local Government, November 2015) on 2 February 2016.