Keeping you informed, the Code of Conduct

What is the council code of conduct?

Council's Code of Conduct sets the minimum standard for behaviour of council officials across our organisation. This policy applies to our councillors, the General Manager, our staff and contractors. It sets clear expectations for how our representatives are to conduct themselves and also spells out what type of conduct is not permitted.

Why is it required?

The NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) prescribes that all NSW Councils must have an adopted Code of Conduct and sets standard minimum provisions to be included in each council's policy.

Where can I find Moree Plains Shire Council's code of conduct?

Council's current Code of Conduct can be viewed here: moree.pulsesoftware.com/Pulse/Public.aspx?page=publicpolicies

In addition, as required by the OLG, every council must review and adopt the Code of Conduct at the commencement of a new council term. As such the new draft Code of Conduct was tabled at the first Ordinary Council Meeting of the new council on 31 October 2024.

At this meeting, Council resolved to place the draft Code of Conduct on public exhibition and invite submissions from the public over a period of 49 days.

The public exhibition period has now concluded and the Code of Conduct will be tabled at the April Ordinary Council Meeting for Council's consideration and adoption.

How are complaints to be made and dealt with?

The OLG's Model Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct prescribes how Code of Conduct complaints are to be made, who they are to be directed to, and how they are to be dealt with. Complaint handling can take a number of forms depending on the initial assessment, ranging from declining the matter (on specific grounds), to in-house explanation, counselling, mediation or training, and on to formal independent investigation by either a panel of conduct reviewers or a specialist independent third party. Complaints and their investigation are confidential matters which only become public if a matter is referred to the council for a decision.

Council is currently operating under the Model Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct which can be viewed here: https://moreeplains.civicclerk.com.au/web/UserControls/pdf/web/DocPDFWrapper.aspx?ad=1943&token=ea2e763b-916f-4605-9ffc-372278a98b8b

New draft Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct were tabled at the 20 March 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting and were endorsed for adoption alongside Council's Code of Conduct.

Who Pays for Investigations? 

If matters are referred to a formal investigation, the cost of investigating is borne by the Council and comes out of the General Fund. The cost of dealing with Code of Conduct matters is publicly available information which is presented in a report to the council on an annual basis.

The most recent report was tabled at the 20 March 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting and can be viewed here