Responsibledirectorate: Chief Executiveofficeauthorisedby: Council

BOROONDARA

Cityof Harmony

CouncillorCodeofConduct

2016

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ResponsibleDirectorate: Chief ExecutiveOfficeAuthorisedBy: Council

DateofAdoption:27June2016

ReviewDate:28February2017

CommencementDate:27June2016PolicyType:Council

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Tableofcontents

1.Introduction...... 3

2.PurposeoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct...... 3

3.Background...... 3

4.CouncillorConductPrinciples...... 4

5.RolesandRelationships...... 4

5.1.ChiefExecutiveOfficerandAdministration5

5.2.Councillors5

5.3.TheMayor6

5.4.UseofCouncilResources6

5.5.GiftsandBenefits6

5.6.Communication7

5.7.PersonalDealingswithCouncil7

5.8.CandidatureforState,FederalorLocalGovernmentelections7

6.ProcessforDecisionMaking...... 8

6.1.Formal CouncilDecisionMaking8

6.2.CouncillorBriefings8

6.3.CouncillorAssignments8

7.ProhibitedConduct...... 9

7.1.MisuseofPosition9

7.2.ImproperDirectionandImproperInfluence10

7.3.ConfidentialInformation10

7.4.ConflictofInterest10

7.5.ElectoralConduct11

8.DisputeResolutionProcedures...... 11

8.1.Phase1- DirectNegotiation11

8.2.Phase2-ExternalMediation13

8.3.Phase3-InternalResolutionProcedure-Arbiter14

9.EnforcementofCode...... 16

10.ReviewPeriod...... 17

11.Endorsement...... 18

1.Introduction

As CouncillorsattheCityofBoroondarawearecommittedto highstandardsofgovernanceandrecognisethisasessentialtogoverningwellforourcommunity.Ourbehaviourinourdealingswitheachother,thecommunityandtheCounciladministrationiscriticaltosuccess.ThisCodeofConductreflectsthebehaviourswewill applytomeetourobligationstothecommunity,theCounciladministrationandtoeachother.

Additionally,theLocalGovernmentAct 1989(theAct)requiresCounciltodevelopandmaintainaCouncillorCodeofConduct. TheCouncillorCodeofConductisrequiredtobeperiodicallyreviewed.

OurcommitmenttoworkingtogetherconstructivelywillenableustoachieveCouncil'svisionasdocumentedintheCouncilPlan,inamannerconsistentwithourvalues.

ThisCodeofConductiscomplementedbyarangeofCouncilpoliciesandproceduresthatformpartofBoroondara'sgovernanceframework.

2.PurposeoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct

Thepurposeoflocalgovernmentisto provideasystemunderwhichCouncilsperformthefunctionsandexercisethepowersconferredbyorundertheLocalGovernmentAct1989andanyotherActforthepeace,orderandgoodgovernmentoftheirmunicipaldistricts.GoodgovernanceisfundamentaltoaCouncilbeingabletoperform itspurpose.Goodgovernancereliesongoodworkingrelationsamongcouncillors,andbetweencouncillorsandofficers.

ThisCode:

•setsoutthestandardsofconductexpectedofelectedrepresentatives;

•endeavourstofostergoodworkingrelationsbetweencouncillors,thecommunityandtheCounciladministrationtoenablecouncillorstoworkc·onstructivelytogetherinthebestinterestsofthelocalcommunity;and

•mandatescouncillor conductdesignedtobuildpublicconfidenceintheintegrityoflocalgovernment.

3.Background

Councilmust,within4monthsafterageneralelection:

(a)callaspecialmeetingsolelyforthepurposeofreviewingtheCouncillorCodeofConduct;and

(b)atthatspecialmeeting,approveanyamendmentstobemadetotheCouncillorCodeofConductdeterminedbytheCounciltobenecessaryfollowingthereviewoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

AcopyofthisCodeofConduct(asamendedfromtimetotime)must be:

•giventoeachcouncillor

•availableforinspectionattheCamberwellandHawthornoffice

•publishedontheCouncil'swebsite

Fromthe2016Councilelections,apersonelectedtobeacouncillorisnotcapableofactingasacouncilloruntilthepersonhasreadtheCouncillorCodeofConductandmadeadeclarationstatingthattheywillabidebytheCouncillorCodeofConduct.Itisthepersonalresponsibilityofcouncillorstoensurethattheyareconversantwith,andcomplywith,theprovisions ofthisCode.

ThisCodeofConductreplacesthe previousCodeofConductadoptedbyresolutionofCouncilon29April2013.

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4.CouncillorConductPrinciples

AscouncillorsoftheCityofBoroondarawearecommittedto:

•theprinciplesofgoodgovernance

•dischargingourresponsibilitiestothebestofourskillandjudgment.

•workingtogetherinthebestinterestsofthepeoplewithinourmunicipality

Weendorseandagree,asisspecifiedintheAct,thatitisaprimaryprinciple.ofcouncillorconductthat,inperformingtheroleofa councillor, weasacouncillormust:

•actwithintegrity;

•impartiallyexerciseour responsibilitiesintheinterestsofthelocalcommunity;and

•notimproperlyseektoconferanadvantageordisadvantageonanyperson.Inaddition,inperformingourroleascouncillorswewill:

•avoid conflicts between.ourpublicdutiesasacouncillorandour personalinterestsandobligations;

•acthonestlyandavoidstatements(whetheroralorinwriting)oractionsthatwillor arelikelytomisleadordeceiveaperson;

•treat all persons with respectand havedue regardtotheopinions, beliefs, rightsandresponsibilitiesofothercouncillors,councilstaffandotherpersons;

•exercisereasonablecareanddiligenceandsubmitourselvestothelawfulscrutinythatisappropriatetoouroffice;

•endeavourtoensurethatpublicresourcesareusedprudently andsolelyinthepublicinterest;

•actlawfullyandinaccordancewiththetrustplacedineachofusaselectedrepresentatives;and

•supportandpromotethese principlesbyleadershipandexampleandactinawaythatsecuresandpreservespublicconfidenceintheofficeofcouncillor.

5.RolesandRelationships

Werecognisetheimportanceofappropriateandproductiverelationshipsandwillstrivetosupportandmaintaintheserelationshipsasweworkcooperativelytoachieve Council'svisionandmission.

Werecogniseourresponsibilitytoensureourinteractionswithstaff,eachotherorothersassociatedwithCouncilmeettherequirementsoftheOccupationalHealthandSafetyAct2004andtheEqualOpportunityAct 2010(Vic).

5.1.ChiefExecutiveOfficerandAdministration

WeacknowledgethattheadministrationisaccountabletoCouncilthroughtheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

AscouncillorswerecognisethatundertheAct,theChiefExecutiveOfficerisresponsiblefor:

(a)establishingandmaintaininganappropriateorganisationalstructurefortheCouncil;and

(b)ensuringthatthedecisions oftheCouncilareimplementedwithoutunduedelay;and

(c)thedaytodaymanagementofthe Council'soperationsinaccordancewiththe CouncilPlan;and

(d)developing,adoptinganddisseminatingacodeofconductforCouncilstaff;and

(e)providingtimelyadvicetotheCouncil;and

(f)ensuringthattheCouncilreceivestimelyandreliableadviceaboutitslegalobligationsunderthisActandanyotherAct;

(g)supportingtheMayorintheperformance oftheMayor'sroleasMayor;

(h)carryingouttheCouncil'sresponsibilitiesasadeemedemployerwithrespecttocouncillors,asdeemedworkers,whichariseunderorwithrespecttotheAccidentCompensationAct 1985orthe.WorkplaceInjuryRehabilitationandCompensationAct2013;and

(i)performinganyotherfunctionordutyoftheChiefExecutiveOfficerspecifiedinthisActoranyotherAct. ·

WeundertaketorespectthefunctionsoftheChiefExecutiveOfficerandtocomplywiththepolicies,practicesandprotocolsdefiningappropriatearrangementsforinteractionbetweenCouncilstaffandcouncillors thattheChiefExecutiveOfficercanputinplaceundertheAct.

Ascouncillors,wewillbemindfulofourobligationsundertheActandendeavour to ensureourinteractionswithmembers ofCouncilstaffdonot,andarenotperceivedtoimproperlydirectorinfluence membersofCouncilstaffintheexerciseoftheirduties,orintheirprofessionaladvicetoCouncil.

Wherepracticable,wewilldirectourenquiriestotheadministrationthroughtheChiefExecutiveOfficer,DirectorsorManagers.

Weacceptthatdecisionswhichmodify,changeorrejectofficerrecommendationsmustonlybemadeatformalCouncilorCommitteemeetings.

5.2.Councillors

WeacknowledgethatascouncillorsweareelectedtogovernthemunicipalityasCouncil,onbehalfofthecommunity.

WealsoacknowledgethattheActprovidesthatthe roleofacouncilloris:

(a)toparticipateinthedecision-makingofthe Council;

(b)torepresentthelocalcommunityinthatdecision-making;and

(c)tocontributetothestrategicdirectionoftheCouncilthroughthedevelopmentandreviewofkeystrategicdocumentsoftheCouncil,includingtheCouncilPlan.

Inperformingtheroleofacouncillor,wewill:

(a)considerthediversityofinterestsandneedsofthe localcommunity;and

(b)observeprinciplesofgoodgovernanceandactwithintegrity;and

(c)providecivicleadershipinrelationtotheexerciseofthevariousfunctionsandresponsibilitiesoftheCouncil underthisActandotherActs; and

(d)participateintheresponsible allocationoftheresourcesofCouncilthroughtheannualbudget;and

(e)facilitateeffectivecommunicationbetweentheCouncilandthecommunity.

TheroleofacouncillordoesnotincludetheperformanceofanyfunctionsthatarespecifiedasfunctionsoftheChiefExecutiveOfficer undersection 94AoftheAct.

5.3.TheMayor

WerecognisethattheMayorprovidesleadershipofCouncilbyvirtueoftherespectandauthority theroleisaffordedbyCouncilandcouncillorsandnotethattheMayorshalltakeprecedenceatallmunicipalproceedingswithintheCityas"firstamongequals".

WeacknowledgethattheActdescribesthefunctionsoftheMayorasincluding:

(a)providingguidancetocouncillorsaboutwhatisexpectedofacouncillorincludinginrelationtotheroleofacouncillorundersection65,andtheobservationofthecouncillorconductprinciplesandtheCouncillorCodeofConductbycouncillorsundersections768,76BAand76C;and

(b)actingastheprincipalspokespersonforthecouncil;and

(c)supportinggoodworkingrelationsbetweencouncillors;and

(d)carryingoutthecivicandceremonialdutiesoftheofficeofMayor.

5.4.UseofCouncilResources

WecommittousingCouncilresourceseffectivelyandeconomically.Wewill:

•. maintainadequatesecurityoverCouncilproperty,facilitiesandresourcesprovidedtoustoassistinperformingourroleandwillcomplywithanyCouncilpoliciesapplyingtotheiruse;

•ensureanyexpense claimsthatwesubmitareincompliancewiththerelevantlegislativeprovisionsandCouncilpolicy;

•notuseCouncilresources,includingservicesofCouncilstaff,forprivatepurposes,unlesslegallyorproperlyauthorisedtodoso, andpaymentsaremadewhereappropriate;and

•notusepublicfundsorresourcesinamannerthat isimproperorunauthorised.

5.5.GiftsandBenefits

·Wewillscrupulouslyavoidsituationsgivingrisetotheappearancethatapersonorbody,throughtheprovisionofgifts,benefitsorhospitalityofanykind,isattemptingtogainfavourabletreatmentfrom

an individualcouncillororfromtheCouncil.

Wewilltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatourimmediatefamilymembers (parents,spouse,childrenandsiblings)donotreceivegifts orbenefitsthatgiverisetotheappearanceofbeinganattempttogainfavourabletreatment.

WhereagiftisreceivedonbehalfoftheCouncil,thegiftbecomesthepropertyoftheCouncil. Fortransparencyandaccountability purposes,thesegiftswillberecordedintheCouncillorsGiftsandHospitalityRegisterwithanotationthatitisthepropertyoftheCouncil.

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Werecognisethatgifts equaltoorabovethegift disclosurethresholdreceivedinthetwelvemonthspriortoelectionfromapersonorbodythathasadirectinterestinamattermaygiverisetoanindirectinterestbecauseofreceiptofanapplicablegift.

Wewillrecordallcampaigndonationsinour"campaigndonationreturn".

5.6.Communication

Werecognisethatasrepresentativesofthelocalcommunity,wehaveaprimaryresponsibilitytoberesponsivetocommunityviewsandtoadequatelycommunicate thepositionanddecisionsofCouncil.

WeundertaketocomplywiththeCouncil'smediapolicyandrespectthefunctionsoftheMayorandChiefExecutiveOfficertobethespokespersonsfortheCouncilinaccordancewithour policy.

WeacknowledgethatindividualCouncillorsareentitledtoexpresstheirpersonalopinionsthroughthemedia.Wherewechoosetodoso,wewillmakeitclearthatsuchcommentisapersonalviewanddoesnotrepresentthepositionofCouncil.Wewillensurethatanysuch commentisnotderogatory, offensiveorinsultingtoanyperson.

5.7. PersonalDealingswithCouncil

Whenwe dealwithourCouncil inourprivatecapacity (e.g.asaratepayer, recipientofaCouncilserviceorapplicantfor apermit)wedonotexpectnorwillwerequestpreferentialtreatmentinrelationtoany suchprivatematter.WewillavoidanyactionthatcouldleadCouncilstafformembersofthepublicto believethatweareseekingpreferentialtreatment.

5.8.CandidatureforState,FederalorLocalGovernmentelections

Acouncillorwhobecomesanendorsedcandidateofaregisteredpoliticalpartyorpubliclyexpressesanintentiontorunasanindependentcandidate(aProspectiveCandidate)for:

•aStategovernmentelection;

•aFederalgovernmentelection;or

•alocalgovernmentelectionina municipalityother thantheCityofBoroondara;

shouldprovidewrittenadvicetotheChief ExecutiveOfficer,assoonaspracticable,whoshouldthenadviseallcouncillors.

AcouncillorwhoisaProspectiveCandidate,shoulddeclaretheirintendedcandidacyatameetingoftheCouncil.assoonaspracticableafter notifyingtheChief ExecutiveOfficer.

Acouncillorwhonominatesasacandidate(aNominated Candidate)for:

•aStategovernmentelection;

•aFederalgovernmentelection;or

•alocalgovernmentelectioninamunicipalityotherthantheCityofBoroondara;

shouldapplyforleaveofabsencefromtheCouncilandthisleaveofabsenceshouldcommencenolaterthanthedateoftheirnominationasacandidatewiththerelevantelectoralcommissionfortheelection(NominationDate)andconcludenoearlierthanthecloseofvotingfortheelection. Duringthisperiod,acouncillorwhoisonaleaveofabsenceshouldnotattendmeetingsoftheCouncilorotherwiseactasacouncillor.

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AcouncillorwhoisaProspectiveCandidateoraNominatedCandidate,shouldtake caretodifferentiatebetweentheirroleasaProspectiveCandidateoraNominatedCandidateandtheirroleasacouncillorwhenmakingpubliccomment.

AcouncillorwhoisaProspectiveCandidateoraNominatedCandidate,shouldnotuse:

•Councilresources,includingCouncilequipment andfacilities;or

•Councilactivities,includingcommitteemeetingsandCouncilrelatedexternalactivities;in.relationtotheircandidacy.

6.ProcessforDecisionMaking

Wearecommittedtomakingalldecisionsimpartiallyandinthebestinterestsofthewhole

communityandacknowledgethateffective decision-makingisvitaltothedemocraticprocessandanessentialcomponentofgoodgovernance.Accordingly:

•Wewillactivelyandopenlyparticipate inthe decisionmakingprocess,strivingto achievethebestoutcomeforthecommunity.

•Wewillrespecttheviewsoftheindividualinthedebate.

•Wewillacceptthatdecisionsare basedonamajorityvote.

6.1. FormalCouncilDecisionMaking

CouncilmakesdecisionsatCouncilorSpecialCommitteemeetings.TheMayoristhechairpersonforCouncilmeetingsandchairpersonsforSpecialCommitteemeetingsareappointedannually.

Weacknowledgethecritical roleoftheChairpersontofacilitategooddecisionmaking,inparticularbyencouragingfull andbalancedparticipationbyallcouncillorsandmembersofthepublicwhereappropriateinaccordancewithCouncil's MeetingProcedureLocalLaw.

Weacknowledgethat,asamatterofcustomandpractice,theimmediatepastMayororpastChairpersonoftherelevantSpecialCommitteewillbethefirstcandidateconsidered whereitisnecessarytoelectatemporarychairperson.

6.2.Councillor Briefings

InformalbriefingsanddiscussionsarenotCouncilmeetingsandthereforenotdecision-makingforums.SuchmeetingsofcouncillorsandCouncilstaffareanopportunitytodiscussissuesinformally.

Alldiscussion,subject matterandmaterialsconsideredataCouncillorBriefingandDiscussionMeetingshouldbetreatedasconfidentialinformation. ·

Duringthecourseofanybriefingordiscussion,ascouncillorswewillnotseektoplacerestrictionsontheabilityofCouncilstafftogiveindependentadviceorseektodirectorrequestCouncilstafftopresentaparticularrecommendation(s)toCouncilortherelevantCommittee.

6.3.CouncillorAssignments

Councilestablishesarangeofadvisorycommittees toaddressspecificissues,oftenwithinputfrommembersofthecommunity.Councilalsoparticipatesonexternalcommitteesororganisationsthroughassigningacouncillororofficertothebody.

Weacknowledgethatintheabsenceofspecificdelegationsorauthorisation,CouncillorassignmentsdonotcarryexecutiveauthoritywhichremainswithCounciland/ordelegatedofficers.

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7.ProhibitedConduct

TheActhasspecificprovisionsthatprohibitCouncillorsfromcertainconduct. Thisconductrelates

.to:

•Misuseofposition

•Improperdirectionandimproperinfluence

•Confidentialinformation

•Conflictofinterest

•Electoralconduct

Thesemattersaresetoutbelowinordertoprovideacompletepictureoftheobligationsoncouncillors. WhilethesemattersarenotofanaturetobeaddressedasacontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct,weundertaketocomplywiththeprohibitionsoncouncillorconductsetoutbelow. ThesemattersshouldmoreproperlybethesubjectofanapplicationtoaCouncillorConductPanelforafindingofseriousmisconductoracomplainttotheLocalGovernmentInspectorateortheIndependentBroad-basedAnti-corruption Commissiondependingonthenatureoftheallegation.

(Note:Seriousmisconductbyacouncillorsmeans:

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(a)thefailureofacouncillortoattendaCouncillorConductPanelhearingformedto makea

findinginrespectofthatcouncillor;or

(b)thefailureofacouncillortogiveaCouncillorConductPanelanyinformationtheCouncillorConductPanelhasrequestedthecouncillorto give;or

(c)thefailureofacouncillortocomplywithadirectionofaCouncillorConductPanel;or

(d)continuedorrepeatedmisconductbyacouncillorafterafindingofmisconducthasalreadybeenmadeinrespectofthecouncillorbyaCouncillorConductPanel;or

(e)bullyingofanothercouncillorormemberofCouncilstaffbyacouncillor;or

(f)conductbyacouncillorinrespectofamemberofCouncilstaffincontraventionofsection76E;or

(g)thereleaseofconfidentialinformationbyacouncillor.)

7.1.MisuseofPosition

Acouncillormustnotmisusehisorherposition:

(a)togainorattempttogain,directlyor indirectly,anadvantagefor themselvesorforanyotherperson;or

(b}tocause,orattempttocause,detrimenttotheCounciloranotherperson.

Circumstancesinvolvingthe misuseofpositionbyacouncillorinclude:

(a)makingimproperuseofinformationacquiredasaresultofthepositionheorsheheldorholds;or

(b)disclosinginformationthatisconfidential informationwithinthemeaningofsection77(2);or

(c)directing,orimproperlyinfluencing,orseekingtodirectorimproperlyinfluence,amemberofCouncilstaffincontraventionofsection 76E;or

(d)exercisingorperforming,orpurportingtoexerciseofperform,apower,dutyorfunctionthat heorsheisnotauthorisedtoexerciseorperform;or

(e)usingpublicfundsorresources ina mannerthatisimproperorunauthorised;or

(f)failingtodiscloseaconflictofinterestasrequiredundertheAct.

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7.2.ImproperDirectionandImproperInfluence

Acouncillormust notdirect,orseektodirect,a memberofCouncilstaff:

(a)in theexerciseofadelegatedpower,ortheperformanceofadelegateddutyorfunctionoftheCouncil;or

(b)intheexercise ofapowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionexerciseor performed

bythememberasanauthorisedofficerunderthisActoranyotherAct;or

(c)in theexerciseofapowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionthememberexercisesorperformsinanofficeorpositionthememberholdsunderanotherAct;or

(d)inrelationtoadviceprovidedtotheCounciloraspecialcommittee,includingadviceinareporttotheCouncilorspecialcommittee.

7.3.Confidential Information

Acouncillormustnotdiscloseinformationthattheheorsheknows,orshouldreasonablyknow,isconfidentialinformation.

Acouncillormaydiscloseinformationthattheheorsheknowsisconfidentialinformationinthefollowing circumstances:

(a)forthepurposesofanylegalproceedingsarisingoutofthisAct;

(b)toacourtortribunalinthecourseoflegalproceedings;

(c)pursuanttoanorderofacourtortribunal;

(d)totheChiefMunicipalInspectortotheextentreasonablyrequiredbytheChiefMunicipalInspector;

(e)toaCouncillorConductPanelinthecourseofa hearingandforthepurposesofthe

hearing;

(f)toamunicipalmonitortotheextentreasonablyrequiredbythe municipalmonitor;or

(g)totheextentreasonablyrequiredforanyotherlawenforcementpurposes.

7.4.ConflictofInterest

IfacouncillorhasaconflictofinterestinamatterwhichistobeconsideredordiscussedatameetingoftheCouncilorspecialcommittee,anassemblyofcouncillors,anauditcommitteeorasection223committee,thecouncillormust,ifheorsheisattendingthemeeting,disclosetheconflictofinterestinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheAct(unlessanyoftheexemptionsapply).

Acouncillorhasadirectinterestinamatterifthereisareasonablelikelihoodthatthebenefits,obligations,opportunitiesorcircumstancesofthecouncillorwouldbedirectlyalteredifthematterisdecidedinaparticularway. Thisincludeswherethereisareasonablelikelihoodthatthepersonwillreceiveadirectbenefitorlossthatcanbemeasuredinfinancialtermsandwherethecouncillor,ortogetherwithamemberormembersoftheperson'sfamilyhaveacontrollinginterestinacompanyorotherbodythathasadirectinterestinthematter.

Aconflictofinterestalsoexistswhereacouncillorhasanyofthesixtypesofindirectinterest.Theseindirectinterestsare:

•Closeassociation-anindirectinterestbecauseofacloseassociationwithafamilymember,relativeormemberofthehouseholdwhohasadirectinterest.

•IndirectfinancialInterest-anindirectfinancialinterest,includingholdingsharesaboveacertainvalueinacompanywithadirectinterest.

•Conflictingduty-aconflictingdutyarisingfromhavingparticularresponsibilitiestoapersonororganisationwithadirectinterest.

•Applicablegift-receiptofanapplicablegiftorgifts fromapersonororganisationwithadirectinterest.

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•Interestedparty-apartytothematterbyhavingbecomeinvolvedincivilproceedingsinrelationtothematter.

•Residentialamenity-thisoccurswherethereisareasonablelikelihoodthattheperson'sresidentialamenitywillbealtered ifthematterisdecidedina particularway.

7.5.ElectoralConduct

TheActincludesrequirementsinrelationtocouncilloreligibility,electoralconductandtheelectionperiod(caretakerperiod). AllegedcontraventionsoftheseprovisionsarenottobedealtwithbytheCouncilusingtheinternalresolutionprocedureinthisCodeofConduct.

Allegationsinrelationtocontraventionoftheseprovisionsshould bedirectedtotheVictorianElectoralCommissionortheLocalGovernmentInspectorate,dependingonthenatureoftheallegation,forinvestigationandanyconsequentaction.

We undertaketocomplywiththevariousprovisions relatingtothesematters.

8.DisputeResolutionProcedures

Councillorscommittoworkingeffectivelytogetheratalltimesandtodevelopinggoodworkingrelationships. Councillorsacknowledgethat:

•theActrequirestheCodetoincludeaninternalresolutionprocedurefor dealingwithanyallegedcontraventionsoftheCodeandthatCouncilcanapply sanctionstoacouncillorwhohasbeenfoundtohavecontravenedtheCode.

•failuretocomplywiththeCouncil'sinternalresolutionprocedureortocomplywithawrittendirectiongivenbytheCouncilundersection81ABoftheAct(sanctionsforcontraventionoftheCode)constitutesmisconductbyacouncillor.

•ifaCouncillorConductPanelmakesafindingofmisconductagainstacouncillor,thePanelmayapplyfurthersanctionsagainstthatcouncillor.

Beforecommencinganyformaldisputeresolutionprocess,thecouncillorswhoarepartiestoadisputeareexpectedtousetheirbestendeavourstoresolvethematterinacourteousandrespectfulmannerinformallybetweenthemselves.Where,aftertheseendeavourshavebeenexhausted,thematterstillremainsunresolved,thepartiesmayresorttoanyoralloftheCouncil's threephasedisputeresolutionprocess.

TheCouncil'sthreephasedisputeresolutionprocessprovidesamoreformalframeworkforcouncillorstocontinuetoworktogethertotrytoresolvethedispute.

Thethreephasesoftheprocessare:

1.directnegotiationbetweenthe partiesindisputewiththeMayorinattendanceto provideguidance;

2.externalmediationbyanindependentmediatorengagedbytheChief ExecutiveOfficer;and

3.aninternalresolutionprocedureinvolvinganindependentarbiter.

8.1.Phase1-DirectNegotiation

Wherecouncillorswhoareindisputehavenotbeenabletoresolvethedisputebetweenthem,either(or both)party(parties)mayrequesttheMayortoconveneameetingoftheparties.TheMayor mustinformtheChiefExecutiveOfficerofanysuchrequest.

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Adisputereferredfordirectnegotiationmayrelateto:

•aninterpersonalconflictbetweencouncillorswheretheconflictisaffectingorislikelytoaffecttheeffectivefunctionoftheCouncil;or

•anallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

ThepartyrequestingthedirectnegotiationmeetingistoprovidetheMayorwiththenameoftheothercouncillorandthedetailsofthedisputeinwriting. Thewrittenrequestistoindicatethatitisfora"directnegotiation"disputeresolutionprocess. WheretherequestrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct,therequestmust:

•specifythenameofthecouncillorallegedtohavecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s) oftheCodethat isallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•includeevidenceinSupportoftheallegation;

•namethecouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretherequestismadebyagroupofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddatedbytherequesterortherequester'srepresentative.

TherequesteristonotifytheotherpartyoftherequestandprovidehimorherwithacopyofthewrittenrequesteitheratthesametimeasitisprovidedtotheMayororassoonaspracticablethereafter.

TheMayoristoascertainwhetherornottheotherpartyispreparedtoattenda"directnegotiation"meeting.

Iftheotherpartyisnotpreparedtoattenda meeting,theMayoristoadvisetherequester andthe ChiefExecutiveOfficerforthwith.NofurtheractionisrequiredoftheMayor.

Iftheotherpartydeclinestoparticipateinameeting,thisdoesnotconstituteacontraventionofthisCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Iftheotherpartyconsentstoameeting,theMayoristoconveneameetingofthepartiesattheearliestavailableopportunity. Unlessoneorbothpartiesareunavailable,thisshouldbewithin5workingdaysofreceivingtheconsentoftheotherparty.

TheMayormaypresentthepartieswithguidelines,inadvanceofthemeetingoratthemeeting,tohelpfacilitatethemeeting.

TheroleoftheMayoratthemeetingistoprovideguidancetocouncillorsaboutwhatisexpectedofacouncillorincludinginrelationtotheroleofacouncillorundersection65oftheAct,andtheobservationofthecouncillorconductprinciplesandtheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

TheMayoristodocumentanyagreementreachedatthemeetingandinformtheChiefExecutiveOfficeranagreementhasbeenreached. Copiesoftheagreementaretobeprovidedtobothparties.Whereonepartydoesnotcomplywiththeagreement,theotherpartyhasrecoursetoexternal mediationortheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

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Ifthepartiescannotresolvethedisputeatthemeeting,afurthermeetingmaybeconvenedwiththe consentofbothparties. Wherethedisputeremainsunresolved,eitherorbothofthepartieshaverecoursetoexternalmediationortheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

WheretheMayorisapartytothedispute,therequestistobemadetotheimmediatepastMayor(ifany)oraformerMayor. TheimmediatepastMayorortheformerMayorwillperformthefunctionsascribedtotheMayor.

8.2.Phase2-ExternalMediation

Acouncillororagroupofcouncillorsmaymakeanapplicationforadisputetobereferredforexternalmediationwhetherornotthedisputehasbeenthesubjectofanapplicationfor"directnegotiation".

Anapplicationmadeforadisputetobereferredforexternalmediationmayrelateto:

•aninterpersonalconflictbetweencouncillorswheretheconflictisorislikelytoaffecttheoperations oftheCouncil;or .

•anallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

TheapplicantistosubmitawrittenapplicationtothePrincipalConductOfficersettingoutthenameofthecouncillorandthedetailsofthedispute.Theapplicationistoindicatethattheapplicationisforan"externalmediation".Wheretheapplication relatestoanallegedcontraventionofthecouncillorCodeofConduct,theapplication must:

•specifythenameofthecouncillorallegedtohavecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s)oftheCodethatisallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•include evidenceinsupportoftheallegation;

•namethecouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretheapplicationismadebyagroupofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddatedbytheapplicantortheapplicant'srepresentative.

TheapplicantistonotifytheotherpartyoftherequestandprovidehimorherwithacopyoftheapplicationeitheratthesametimethatitissubmittedtothePrincipalConductOfficerorassoonaspracticalthereafter. ·

ThePrincipalConductOfficeristoascertain(inwriting)whetherornottheotherpartyispreparedtoattendan"externalmediation". Iftheeitherpartydeclinestoparticipatein anexternalmediation,heorsheistoprovidetheirreasonsfordoingsoinwritingtothePrincipalConductOfficer. Thesereasonsmaybetakenintoaccountifthematteris,subsequently,thesubjectofanapplicationforaCouncillorConductPanel. '

Whentheotherpartydeclinestoparticipate inanexternalmediation,thisdoesnotconstituteacontraventionofthisCouncillor CodeofConduct.

Iftheotherpartyagreestoparticipate inanexternalmediation,thePrincipalConduct Officeristoadvisetheapplicant,theMayorandChiefExecutiveOfficerforthwith.

TheChiefExecutiveOfficeristoengagetheservicesofanexternalmediatortoconductthemediationattheearliestpracticableopportunity.

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Themediatoristodocumentanyagreementreachedatthemeeting. Copiesoftheagreementaretobeprovidedtobothparties. Whereonepartydoesnotcomplywiththeagreement,theotherpartyhasrecoursetotheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanalleged

contraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Ifthepartiescannotresolvethedisputeatthemeeting,afurthermeetingmaybeconvenedwiththeconsentofbothparties.Wherethedisputeremainsunresolved,theapplicanthasrecoursetotheinternalresolution procedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

8.3.Phase3-InternalResolutionProcedure-Arbiter

An applicationcannotbemadeforaninternalresolutionprocedureduringtheelection periodforageneralelection.Anyinternalresolutionprocedurethatisinprogressisto besuspendedduringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection.

Iftherespondenttoanapplicationforaninternalresolutionprocedureisnotreturnedtoofficeasacouncillorintheelection,theapplicationlapses.Ifthe respondentisreturnedtoofficeinthe election,theapplicationmayresumeif:

•theapplicationwasmadebytheCouncilandtheCouncilsoresolves;or

•the applicationwasmade byagroupofcouncillorsandanyone(ormore)ofthosecouncillorswhohasbeenreturnedtoofficewishestoproceedwiththeapplication;or

•theapplicant(individualcouncillor)isreturnedto officeandwishestoproceedwiththeapplication.

AcouncillororagroupofcouncillorsmaymakeanapplicationallegingthatacouncillorhascontravenedthisCouncillorCodeofConduct.Theapplicationmust:

•specifythenameofthecouncillorallegedtohavecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s)oftheCodethatisallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•include evidenceinsupportoftheallegation;

•namethecouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretheapplicationismadebyagroup ofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddatedbytheapplicantortheapplicant'srepresentative.TheapplicationmustbesubmittedtotheCouncil'sPrincipalConductOfficer.

Anapplicantmaywithdrawanapplicationforaninternalresolutionprocedure.Onceanapplication

hasbeenwithdrawn,thesameorasimilarapplicationrelatingtothesame instanceinrelationtotherespondentcouncillorcannot beresubmittedbytheapplicant.

Onreceivinganapplication,thePrincipalConductOfficerwill:

•advisetheMayorandtheChiefExecutiveOfficeroftheapplicationwithoutunduedelay;

•providea copyoftheapplicationtothecouncillorwhoisthesubjectoftheallegationattheearliestpracticalopportunitybutnotlaterthantwoworkingdaysfrom receiptoftheapplication;

•inconsultationwiththeChiefExecutiveOfficer, identifyanarbitertoheartheapplication;

•obtainfromthearbiterwrittenadvicethatthey havenoconflict ofinterestinrelationtothecouncillorsinvolved;

•notifythepartiesofthenameoftheproposedarbiterandprovidethemwiththeopportunity(2workingdays)toobjecttothepersonproposedtobethearbiter;

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•considerthegroundsofanyobjectionandappointtheproposedarbiteroridentifyanotherarbiter;

•provideacopyoftheapplicationtothearbiterassoonaspracticableaftertheopportunityforthepartiestoobjecttoanarbiterhasexpired;

•afterconsultationwiththearbiter,advisetheapplicant andthe respondentofthetimeandplaceforthe hearing;and

•attendthehearing(s)andassistthearbiterintheadministrationoftheprocess.

Inidentifyinganarbitertoheartheapplication,thePrincipalConductOfficerinconsultationwiththeChiefExecutiveOfficermustselectanarbiterwhoissuitablyindependentandabletocarryouttheroleofarbiterfairly.

Theroleofthearbiteristo:

•considerapplicationsallegingacontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConductbyacouncillor;

•makefindingsinrelationtoanyapplicationalleging acontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConductwhichthearbitermustgivetotheCouncil;

•giveawrittenstatementofreasonssupportingthefindingstotheCouncilatthesametime asitgivesitsfindingstotheCouncil;

•recommendanappropriatesanctionorsanctionswherethearbiterhasfoundthatacouncillorhascontravenedtheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

InconsideringanapplicationallegingacontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct,anarbiterwill:

•inconsultationwiththePrincipalConductOfficer,fixatime andplacetoheartheapplication;

•authorisethePrincipalConductOfficertoformallynotifytheapplicantandtherespondentofthetimeandplaceofthehearing;

•holdasmany meetingsasheorsheconsidersnecessarytoproperlyconsidertheapplication.Thearbitermayholdadirectionshearing;

•havediscretiontoconduct thehearingsasheorshedeemsfitwhileensuringthatthehearingsareconductedwithaslittleformalityandtechnicalityasdueandproperconsiderationoftheapplicationallows;

•ensurethatthepartiestoandaffectedbyanapplicationaregivenanopportunitytobeheardbythearbiter;

•consideranapplicationbyarespondenttohavelegalrepresentationatthehearingtoensurethatthehearingisconductedfairlyandmay,inhisorherabsolutediscretion,granttheapplicationordenytheapplication;

•ensurethattherulesofnaturaljusticeareobservedandappliedinthehearingoftheapplication;and

•ensurethatthe hearingsareclosedtothepublic.

Whereanapplicationtohavelegalrepresentationisgrantedbyanarbiter,thecostsoftherespondent'slegalrepresentationaretobebornebytherespondentintheirentirety.

Anarbiter:

•mayfindthatacouncillorwho.isarespondenttoaninternalresolutionprocedureapplicationhasnotcontravenedtheCode;

•mayfindthatacouncillorwhoisarespondenttoaninternalresolutionprocedurehascontravenedtheCode;

•willsuspendconsiderationofaninternalresolutionprocedure duringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection.

Thearbiteristogivea copyof hisorherfindingsandthestatementofreasonstotheCouncil,theapplicantandtherespondent.At thesametime,thearbiterprovidesthefindingsandstatementofreasons,heorsheshall,whereacouncillorhasbeenfoundtohavecontravenedtheCode,recommendanappropriatesanctionorsanctionsforthecontraventionforconsiderationbytheCouncil.

Acopyofthearbiter'sfindings,statementofreasonsandanyrecommendedsanctionsistobesubmittedtothenextordinarymeetingoftheCouncilforitsconsideration. Ifanarbiterhasfound thatacontraventionoftheCodehasoccurred,theCouncilmay,afterconsideringthearbiter'sfindings,statementofreasonsandrecommendationonsanctions,giveanyorallofthefollowingwrittendirectionstothecouncillor:·

•directthecouncillortomakeanapologyinaformor manner specifiedbytheCouncil;

•directthecouncillortonotattendupto,butnotexceeding,2meetingsoftheCouncil(inrespectofthenextscheduledmeetingsoftheCouncil);

•directthat,for aperiodofupto,butnotexceeding,twomonthsonadatespecifiedbytheCouncilthecouncillor:

oberemovedfromany positionwherethecouncillorrepresentstheCouncil;and

otonotchairorattendanyadvisorycommitteeorspecialcommitteemeetingoranassemblyofCouncillorsoranyothermeetingspecifiedinthedirection.

Acouncillor whodoesnotparticipate intheinternalresolutionproceduremaybeguiltyofmisconduct.TheActprovidesthatmisconductbyacouncillormeansanyofthefollowing:

(a)failurebyacouncillortocomplywiththeCouncil'sinternalresolutionprocedure;or

(b)failurebyacouncillortocomplywithawrittendirectiongivenbythe Council under section81AB;or

(c)repeatedcontraventionofanyofthecouncillorconductprinciples.Allegationsofmisconductare heardonapplicationbyaCouncillor ConductPanel.

9.EnforcementofCode

BreachesofthisCodeofConductwillbeenforcedthroughthefollowingprocesses:

(a)Iftheallegation ofabreachisfromacouncillororcouncillors:

•ReferthemattertotheDisputeResolutionProcedures undertheCode;and

•IfthematterisstillunresolvedacouncillororcouncillorsmaymakeapplicationtotheCouncillorConductPanelestablished undertheAct.

(b)Iftheallegationofabreachisfromresidentsorthecommunity:

•RefertheallegationtotheMayor(unlesstheallegationrelatestotheMayor)forinitialinvestigationanddeterminationofappropriateaction;and/or

•PossiblereferraltotheIndependentBroad-basedAnti-corruptionCommission(IBAC)undertheProtectedDisclosureAct2012;and/or

•IftheallegationrelatestotheMayor,themattershouldbereferredtotheChiefExecutiveOfficerinthefirstinstanceandtheChiefExecutiveOfficerwillinturnreferthemattertotheimmediatepastMayor(ifany)oraformerMayor. TheimmediatepastMayor(ifany)oraformerMayorwilldealwiththematterinaccordancewithparagraph(a)above.

10.ReviewPeriod

InadditiontothestatutoryrequirementtoreviewtheCodeofConductwithinfourmonthsaftereachGeneralElection,CouncilwillreviewtheCodeofConductasrequired,toensuretheCodeofConductremainsrelevanttotheoperationsofCouncil.