WEST

WIMMERA

SHIRECOUNCIL

CouncillorCodeofConduct

Formallyadoptedata SpecialMeetingofCouncilon2June2016

TableofContents

1.Introduction...... 3

2.PurposeoftheCouncillorCodeOfConduct:...... 4

3.Background:...... 4

RoleofMayorandCouncillors...... 4

4.Conduct Obligations:...... 5

FunctionsoftheChiefExecutiveOfficer...... 6

UseofCouncilresources...... 7

Gifts andbenefits...... 8

Communication...... 8

PersonaldealingswithCouncil...... 8

5.Prohibited Conduct...... 8

Misuseofposition...... 9

Improperdirectionand improperinfluence...... 9

Confidentialinformation...... 10

Conflictofinterest...... 10

Otherlegislativerequirements...... 10

6.DisputeResolution...... 11

Phase1-Directnegotiation...... 11

Phase2-Externalmediation...... 12

Phase3-Internalresolutionprocedure-Arbiter...... 13

COUNCILLORCODEOFCONDUCT

1.Introduction:

TheLocalGovernmentAct 1989(theAct)requiresaCounciltodevelopandmaintainaCouncillorCodeofConduct. TheCouncillorCodeofConductisrequiredtobeperiodicallyreviewed. TheWestWimmeraShireCouncil,CouncillorCodeofConductwasreviewedandadoptedbyCounciltocomplywiththerequirementsoftheActon2June2016atSpecialMeetingofCouncil.

TheCouncillor CodeofConductincludesaninternal resolutionprocedure fordealingwithanyallegedcontraventionsoftheCode. ItenabletheCounciltoapplysanctionstoaCouncillorwhohasbeenfoundtohavecontravenedthis

CodeofConduct.

FailurebyaCouncillorto complywiththeCouncil'sinternalresolutionprocedureorto

complywithawrittendirectiongivenbytheCouncilundersection81ABoftheAct(sanctions forcontraventionoftheCode) constitutesmisconductbyaCouncillor.

IfaCouncillorConductPanelmakesafindingofmisconductagainstaCouncillor,thePanelmayapplyfurthersanctionsagainstthatCouncillor.

ACouncillorConductframeworkhasbeendevelopedtoensurethatCouncillorsconduct themselves inaccordancewithagreedstandardsassetoutinthecodeofconduct.

AhierarchyforthemanagementofCouncillorConductissuesenablesthefollowing;

•CouncilstodealwithbreachesofCouncillorCodesof Conduct issues

•Panels todealwiththemajorityofcasesand

•VCATtodealwithexceptionalcases.

Section3(1)ofthe actprovidesdefinitionsforthevariouslevelsofmisconductandthetablebelowsummarisesthemandprovidestheauthorityresponsibleforaddressingthematter.

DegreeofSeriousness / Definition / Responsible Authority
Conduct inconsistentwithstandardscouncilhassetitself / Breachesofcouncilcodeofconduct / Council
Misconduct / Failingtocomplywithacouncil'sinternalresolutionprocedure,includingfailuretoabidebyanydecisionofcouncilinrelationtoabreachofthecodeandrepeatedbreachesofcouncillorconductprinciples / Panel
Seriousmisconduct / Failingtocomplywithpanelprocesses,bullying,improperlydirectingstaff,releasingconfidentialinformationandrepeatedmisconduct / Panel
Grossmisconduct / Behaviourthatdemonstrateslackofcharactertobeacouncillor / VCAT

2.PurposeoftheCouncillorCodeOfConduct:

ThepurposeoflocalgovernmentistoprovideasystemunderwhichCouncilsperformthefunctionsandexercisethepowersconferredbyor undertheLocalGovernmentAct1989andanyotherActforthepeace,orderandgoodgovernmentoftheirmunicipaldistricts.

GoodgovernanceisfundamentaltoaCouncilbeingabletoperformitspurpose.Goodgovernancereliesongoodworkingrelationsbetweencouncillors.

ThisCode:

•setsoutthestandardsofconductexpectedofelectedrepresentatives;

•endeavourstofostergoodworkingrelationsbetweencouncillorstoenableCouncillorstoworkconstructivelytogetherinthebestinterestsofthelocalcommunity; and

•mandatescouncillorconductdesignedtobuildpublicconfidenceintheintegrityoflocalgovernment.

3.Background:

ACouncilmust,within4monthsafterageneral election:

(a)callaspecialmeeting solelyforthepurposeofreviewingtheCouncillorCodeofConduct;and

(b)atthatspecialmeeting, approveanyamendmentstobemadetothe Councillor CodeofConductdeterminedbytheCounciltobenecessaryfollowingthereviewoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

AcopyofthisCodeofConduct(asamendedfromtimetotime)mustbe:

•giventoeachcouncillor

•availableforinspectionatthecouncil officeandanydistrictoffices

•publishedontheCouncil'sinternetwebsite

Fromthe2016Councilelections,apersonelectedtobeaCouncillorisnotcapableofactingasaCouncilloruntiltheperson hasreadtheCouncillorCode ofConductand madeadeclarationstatingthattheywill abidebytheCouncillorCodeofConduct. Itisthepersonalresponsibilityofcouncillorstoensurethattheyareconversantwith,andcomplywith, theprovisionsofthisCode.

RoleofMayorandCouncillors

Section65oftheActprovides thattheroleofaCouncilloris:

(a)toparticipateinthedecision-makingoftheCouncil;and

(b)torepresentthelocalcommunityinthatdecision-making;and

(c)tocontributetothestrategic directionoftheCouncilthrough thedevelopmentandreviewofkeystrategic documentsoftheCouncil,includingtheCouncilPlan.

InperformingtheroleofaCouncillor,aCouncillormust:

(a)considerthediversityofinterestsand needsofthelocalcommunity;and

(b)observeprinciplesofgoodgovernanceandactwithintegrity;and

(c)providecivicleadershipinrelationtotheexerciseofthevariousfunctionsandresponsibilitiesoftheCouncil underthisActandotherActs;and

(d)participate intheresponsibleallocationoftheresources ofCouncilthroughtheannualbudget;and

(e)facilitateeffectivecommunicationbetweentheCouncilandthecommunity.

TheroleofaCouncillordoesnotincludetheperformanceofanyfunctionsthatarespecified asfunctionsoftheChiefExecutiveOfficerundersection94AoftheAct.

Section73AAoftheAct describesthefunctionsoftheMayorasincluding:

(a)providingguidancetoCouncillorsaboutwhatisexpectedofaCouncillorincludinginrelationtotheroleofaCouncillorundersection65,andtheobservationoftheCouncillorconductprinciplesandtheCouncillorCodeofConductbyCouncillorsundersections768,768Aand76C; and

(b)actingastheprincipalspokespersonforthecouncil;and

(c)supportinggoodworkingrelations betweencouncillors;and

(d)carryingoutthecivicandceremonialdutiesoftheofficeofMayor.

ACouncillorCodeofConduct:

(a)must includetheinternalresolutionprocedurefordealingwithanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct;

(b)maysetoutprocesses forthepurposeofresolvinganinternaldisputebetweenCouncillors;

(c)mustincludeanyprovisionsprescribedforthepurposeofthissection;

(d)must includeprovisionsaddressinganymattersprescribedforthepurposeofthissection;

(e)mayincludeanyothermattersrelatingtotheconductofCouncillors whichtheCouncilconsidersappropriate.

4.ConductObligations:

TheActplacesobligations onCouncillorsinrelationtowaytheyshouldact.TheActalsoprohibitscertainconductbyCouncillorsand prescribespenaltiesforCouncillorswhocontravenetheseprovisions.AsCouncillorsofWestWimmeraShireCouncil,weundertaketocomplywiththevariousprovisionsoftheActandwiththisCode ofConduct.

Section768oftheActsetsout theprimaryprincipleofcouncillorconductasfollows:

"ItistheprimaryprincipleofCouncillorconductthat, inperformingtheroleofaCouncillor,aCouncillormust:

(a)actwithintegrity;and

(b)impartiallyexercisehis orherresponsibilitiesintheinterestsofthelocal community;and

(c)notimproperlyseektoconferanadvantageordisadvantageonanyperson."

WestWimmeraShireCouncil'sCodeofConductalsocontainsstatementsbasedonanumberagreedbehaviouralvalues,thesevaluesare Integrity,Resect,SelflessnessandOpenness.Thesevaluesarecharacterisedbythefollowingstatements;

Integrity

Wemustnotplaceourselvesunder anyfinancialorotherobligationtoanyindividualororganizationthatmightreasonablybethoughttoinfluenceusintheperformance ofourduties.

Respect

Wewilltreatothers withcourtesyandrespectatalltimes.Thiswillbeachievedby:

•notusingderogatorytermstowardsothers,

•observingtherightsofotherpeople,

•treatingpeoplewithcourtesyandrecognizingthedifferentrolesothersplayinlocal governmentdecision-making.

•TreatingfellowCouncillorswithrespect,evenwhendisagreeingwiththeirviewsordecisions

Selflessness

Wehaveadutytomakedecisionsinthepublicinterest.Wemustnotactinordertogainfinancialorotherbenefitsforourselves,ourfamily,friendsorbusinessinterests.Thismeansmakingdecisionsbecausetheybenefitthe public,notbecausethey benefitthedecisionmaker.

Openness

Wehaveadutytobeasopenaspossibleabout ourdecisionsandactions,givingreasonsfor decisionsandrestrictinginformationonlywhenthewiderpublic interest clearlydemands.

Section76BA oftheActsetsoutthegeneralprinciplesofcouncillorconductasfollows:

"InadditiontoactinginaccordancewiththeprimaryprincipleofCouncillorconductspecifiedinsection768,inperformingtheroleofaCouncillor,aCouncillormust:

(a)avoidconflictsbetweenhisorherpublicdutiesasaCouncillorandhisorherpersonalinterestsandobligations;

(b)act honestlyandavoidstatements(whetherorallyorinwriting)oractionsthatwillorarelikelytomisleadordeceiveaperson;

(c)treatallpersonswithrespectandhavedueregardtothe opinions,beliefs,rightsandresponsibilitiesofotherCouncillors,Councilstaffandother persons;

(d)exercisereasonablecareanddiligence andsubmithimselforherself to thelawful scrutinythatitisappropriatetohisorheroffice;

(e)endeavourto ensurethatpublicresourcesareusedprudentlyandsolely inthepublicinterest;

(f)actlawfullyandinaccordancewiththetrustplacedinhimorherasanelectedrepresentative;

(g)supportandpromotetheseprinciplesby leadershipandexampleandactinaway thatsecuresand preservespublic confidenceintheofficeofCouncillor."

Councillorsarerequiredtoconductthemselvesinobservanceoftheprimaryprincipleandthegeneralprinciples.Weundertaketo dothis.

FunctionsoftheChiefExecutiveOfficer

TheChiefExecutiveOfficerisresponsiblefor:

(a)establishingandmaintaininganappropriateorganisationalstructurefortheCouncil;and

(b)ensuringthatthedecisionsoftheCouncilareimplementedwithoutunduedelay;and

(c)theday todaymanagementoftheCouncil'soperationsinaccordancewiththe

CouncilPlan;and

(d)developing,adoptingand disseminatingacodeofconductforCouncilstaff;and

(e)providing timelyadvicetotheCouncil;and

(f)ensuringthattheCouncilreceivestimelyandreliableadviceaboutitslegalobligationsunderthisActandanyotherAct;

(g)supportingtheMayorintheperformanceoftheMayor'srole asMayor;

(h)carryingouttheCouncil'sresponsibilities asadeemedemployerwithrespecttoCouncillors,asdeemedworkers,whichariseunderorwith respecttotheAccidentCompensationAct1985ortheWorkplaceInjuryRehabilitationandCompensationAct2013;and

(i)performinganyotherfunctionordutyofthe ChiefExecutiveOfficerspecifiedinthisActoranyotherAct.

TheChiefExecutiveOfficerisresponsibleformanaginginteractionsbetweenCouncilstaffandCouncillorsincludingbyensuringthatappropriate policies,practices andprotocolsareinplacedefiningappropriatearrangementsforinteractionbetweenCouncilstaffandCouncillors.

Weundertaketorespectthefunctionsofthe ChiefExecutiveOfficerandtocomplywiththe policies,practicesandprotocolsdefiningappropriatearrangementsforinteractionbetweenCouncilstaffandCouncillorsthatareputinplacebytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

ExpectationsandObligationsofCouncillorsandCouncilOfficers

CouncillorsandOfficershaveagreedtoasetofstandard behaviourstomanagetheirinteractionsas explainedinthefollowingtable;

Councillorsexpect thatofficerswill:
•Actprofessionallyandhonestlywitha
goodsense ofhumour
•Providerecommendationsthatare accurate,timelyandoutlinealternativesandtheirimplications
•Actdevoidofbias
•Makerecommendationsthatare consistentwiththeCouncilPlan
•Beaccessiblewithinreasonandrespondinatimelymanner / OfficersexpectthatCouncillorswill:
•ConveyprinciplesandCouncilvalues
•Say whentheydon'tunderstandsomethingandaskforclarification
•Notinterfereinoperationalmatters-
adviceandquestionswillbedirectedto theCEOandGeneralManagers
•Haveavisionforthe Councilandrepresentthecommunity'sinterest
•Shareinformationearly
•Respectandtrustprofessionalopinion
Councillorsagreetogivetoofficers:
•Professionalandhonestbehaviour
•Diversity-Abroadrangeofskills,perceptionsandopinions
•Trust,Good judgement andvision
•Communitylinkages
•Healthyproductive debate / OfficersagreetogivetoCouncillors:
•Frankandfearlessadvice
•Thewholestory
•Acknowledgemistakes
•Fullsupport
•Thesameadvicewillbeprovidedtoall
Councillors
•Benefitofexperienceandexpertise

UseofCouncilresources

We committousingCouncilresourceseffectivelyandeconomically. Wewill:

•maintainadequatesecurityover Councilproperty,facilitiesandresourcesprovidedtoustoassistinperformingourroleandwillcomplywithanyCouncilpoliciesapplyingtotheiruse;

•ensureanyexpenseclaimsthatwesubmitareincompliancewiththerelevantlegislativeprovisionsandCouncilpolicy;

•notuseCouncilresources,includingservicesofCouncilstaff,forprivate purposes,unlesslegallyorproperlyauthorisedtodoso,andpaymentsare madewhereappropriate;and

•notusepublicfundsorresourcesina mannerthatisimproperorunauthorised.

Giftsandbenefits

Wewillscrupulouslyavoidsituationsgivingrise totheappearancethataperson orbody,throughtheprovisionofgifts,benefitsorhospitalityofanykind, isattemptingto gainfavourabletreatmentfroman individualCouncillororfromtheCouncil.

Wewilltakeallreasonable stepstoensurethatourimmediatefamilymembers(parents,spouse,childrenand siblings)donot receivegiftsorbenefitsthatgiverisetotheappearanceofbeinganattempttogainfavourabletreatment.

WhereagiftisreceivedonbehalfoftheCouncil,thegiftbecomesthepropertyoftheCouncil. Fortransparencyandaccountabilitypurposes,thesegiftswillberecordedintheCouncillorsGiftsRegisterwithanotationthatitisthepropertyoftheCouncil.

Werecognisethatgiftsequaltoorabovethegiftdisclosurethresholdreceivedinthetwelvemonthspriortoelectionfroma personorbodythathasadirectinterestina matter maygive rise toanindirectinterestbecauseofreceiptof anapplicablegift.

Wewillrecordallcampaigndonationsinour"campaigndonationreturn".

Communication

Werecognisethatasrepresentativesofthelocalcommunity,wehaveaprimaryresponsibilitytoberesponsivetocommunityviewsandtoadequatelycommunicatethepositionanddecisionsofCouncil.

Weundertaketocomplywiththe Council'smediapolicyandrespectthefunctionsoftheMayorand ChiefExecutiveOfficertobethespokespersonsforthe Councilinaccordancewithourpolicy.

Weacknowledgethatindividual Councillorsareentitledtoexpresstheirpersonalopinionsthroughthemedia.Wherewechoosetodo so,wewillmakeitclearthatsuchcommentisapersonalviewanddoesnotrepresentthepositionofCouncil.We undertake toensurethatanysuch commentisdevoidofcommentsthatcould reasonablybeconstruedasbeingderogatory,offensiveorinsultingtoanyperson.

PersonaldealingswithCouncil

WhenwedealwithourCouncilinourprivatecapacity(e.g.asaratepayer,recipientofaCouncilserviceor applicantforapermit)wedonotexpectnorwillwerequestpreferentialtreatmentinrelationto anysuchprivatematter.WewillavoidanyactionthatcouldleadCouncilstafformembersofthepublictobelievethatweareseekingpreferentialtreatment.

5.Prohibited Conduct

TheLocalGovernmentAct1989hasspecificprovisionsthatprohibitCouncillors fromcertainconduct.Thisconductrelatesto:

•Misuseofposition

•Improperdirectionandimproperinfluence

•Confidentialinformation

•Conflictofinterest

•Electoralconduct

ThesemattersaresetoutbelowinordertoprovideacompletepictureoftheobligationsonCouncillors.Whilethesemattersare notofanaturetobeaddressedasacontraventionof

the CouncillorCodeofConduct,weundertaketocomplywiththeprohibitions onCouncillorconductsetout below.Thesemattersshouldmoreproperlybethesubjectof anapplicationtoaCouncillorConductPanelforafindingofseriousmisconduct oracomplainttotheLocalGovernmentInspectorateortheIndependentBroad-basedAnti-corruptionCommissiondependingonthenatureoftheallegation.

(Note:SeriousmisconductbyaCouncillor(s)means:

(a)thefailureofaCouncillortoattendaCouncillorConduct Panelhearingformedtomakeafindinginrespectofthat Councillor;or

(b)thefailureofaCouncillortogivea CouncillorConductPanelanyinformationthe

CouncillorConductPanelhasrequestedtheCouncillortogive;or

(c)thefailureofaCouncillortocomplywithadirectionofaCouncillorConductPanel;or

(d)continuedorrepeatedmisconductbya Councillorafterafindingofmisconducthasalready beenmadeinrespectoftheCouncillorbyaCouncillorConductPanel;or

(e)bullyingofanotherCouncillor ormemberofCouncilstaffbyaCouncillor;or

(f)conductbyaCouncillorinrespectofamemberofCouncil staffincontraventionofsection76E;or

(g)thereleaseofconfidentialinformationbyaCouncillor.)

Misuseofposition

ACouncillormustnotmisusehisorherposition:

(a)togainorattempttogain,directlyorindirectly,anadvantage forthemselvesorforanyotherperson;or

(b)tocause,orattempttocause,detrimenttotheCounciloranotherperson.

CircumstancesinvolvingthemisuseofpositionbyaCouncillorinclude:

(a)makingimproperuseofinformationacquiredasaresultofthepositionheorshe heldorholds;or

(b)disclosinginformationthatisconfidentialinformationwithinthemeaningofsection77(2);or

(c)directing,orimproperlyinfluencing,orseekingtodirectorimproperlyinfluence,a

memberofCouncilstaffincontraventionofsection76E;or

(d)exercisingorperforming,orpurportingtoexerciseorperform,apower,dutyorfunctionthatheorsheisnotauthorisedtoexerciseorperform;or

(e)usingpublicfundsorresourcesinamannerthatisimproperorunauthorised;or

(f)failing todiscloseaconflictofinterestasrequiredunderthisDivision.

Improperdirectionand improperinfluence

ACouncillormustnotdirect,orseektodirect,amemberofCouncilstaff:

(a)intheexerciseofadelegatedpower,ortheperformanceofadelegateddutyorfunctionoftheCouncil;or

(b)intheexerciseofapowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionexerciseorperformedbythememberasanauthorisedofficerunderthisActoranyotherAct;or

(c)intheexerciseofapowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionthememberexercisesorperformsinanofficeorpositionthememberholdsunderanotherAct;or

(d)inrelationtoadviceprovidedtotheCounciloraspecialcommittee,includingadviceinareporttotheCouncilorspecialcommittee.

Confidential information

ACouncillormustnotdiscloseinformationthattheheorsheknows,orshouldreasonablyknow,isconfidentialinformation.

ACouncillormaydiscloseinformationthattheheorsheknowsisconfidentialinformationinthefollowingcircumstances:

(a)forthepurposes ofanylegalproceedingsarisingoutofthisAct;

(b)toacourt ortribunalinthecourseoflegal proceedings;

(c)pursuanttoanorderofacourtortribunal;

(d)totheChiefMunicipalInspectortotheextentreasonablyrequiredbythe ChiefMunicipalInspector;

(e)toaCouncillorConductPanelinthecourseofahearingandforthepurposesof

thehearing;

(f)toa municipalmonitortotheextentreasonablyrequired bythemunicipalmonitor;

(g)totheextentreasonablyrequiredforanyotherlawenforcementpurposes.

Conflictofinterest

IfaCouncillorhasaconflictofinterestinamatterwhichistobeconsideredordiscussedatameetingoftheCouncilorspecialcommittee,anassemblyofcouncillors,anauditcommitteeorasection223committee,theCouncillormust,ifheorsheisattendingthemeeting,disclosetheconflictofinterestinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheAct(unlessanyoftheexemptionsapply).

ACouncillorhasadirectinterestinamatterifthereisareasonablelikelihoodthatthebenefits,obligations,opportunitiesorcircumstancesoftheCouncillorwouldbedirectlyalteredifthematterisdecidedinaparticularway.Thisincludeswherethereisareasonablelikelihoodthatthepersonwillreceive adirectbenefitorlossthatcanbemeasuredinfinancialtermsandwheretheCouncillor,ortogether withamemberormembersoftheperson'sfamilyhaveacontrollinginterestina companyorotherbodythathasadirectinterestinthematter.

Aconflictofinterestalsoexistswherea Councillorhasanyofthesixtypesofindirectinterest.Theseindirectinterests are

•Closeassociation-anindirectinterestbecauseofacloseassociationwithafamilymember,relativeor memberofthehouseholdwhohas adirectinterest

•Indirectfinancialinterest-anindirectfinancialinterest,includingholdingsharesaboveacertainvalueina companywitha directinterest

•Conflictingduty-aconflictingdutyarisingfromhavingparticularresponsibilitiestoapersonororganisationwithadirectinterest

•Applicablegift-receiptof anapplicablegiftorgiftsfromapersonororganisationwithadirectinterest

•Interestedparty- apartytothematterbyhavingbecomeinvolvedincivilproceedingsinrelationtothematter

•Residentialamenity-thisoccurswherethereisareasonablelikelihoodthattheperson'sresidentialamenitywillbealteredifthematterisdecidedinaparticularway.

Otherlegislativerequirements

TheAct includesrequirementsinrelationtoCouncilloreligibility,electoralconductandtheelectionperiod(caretakerperiod). AllegedcontraventionsoftheseprovisionsarenottobedealtwithbytheCouncilusingtheinternalresolutionprocedureinthisCodeofConduct.

AllegationsinrelationtocontraventionoftheseprovisionsshouldbedirectedtotheVictorianElectoralCommissionortheLocalGovernmentInspectorate,dependingonthe natureoftheallegation, forinvestigationandanyconsequentaction.

Weundertaketocomplywiththevariousprovisionsrelatingtothesematters.

6.Dispute Resolution

Beforecommencinganyformal disputeresolutionprocess,theCouncillorswhoarepartiestoadispute areexpectedtousetheirbestendeavourstoresolvethematterinacourteousandrespectfulmannerbetweenthemselves.Where,aftertheseendeavourshavebeenexhausted,thematterstillremainsunresolved,thepartiesmayresorttoany oralloftheCouncil'sthreephasedisputeresolutionprocess.

TheCouncil'sthreephasedisputeresolutionprocessinvolves:

•directnegotiationbetweenthepartiesindisputewiththe Mayorinattendancetoprovideguidance;

•externalmediationbyanindependentmediatorengagedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer;and

•aninternalresolutionprocedureinvolvinganindependentarbiter.

Phase1-Directnegotiation

WhereCouncillorswhoareindispute havenotbeenabletoresolvethedisputebetweenthem,either(orboth)party(parties)may requesttheMayortoconvenea meetingoftheparties.

Adisputereferredfordirectnegotiationmayrelateto:

•an interpersonalconflictbetweenCouncillorswheretheconflictisorislikelytoaffecttheoperationsoftheCouncil;or

•anallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

ThepartyrequestingthedirectnegotiationmeetingistoprovidetheMayorwiththenameofthe otherCouncillorandthe detailsofthe disputeinwriting.Thewrittenrequestistoindicatethatitisfora"directnegotiation"disputeresolutionprocess.Wheretherequestrelatestoanallegedcontraventionofthe CouncillorCodeofConduct,therequest must:

•specifythenameofthe Councillor allegedtohavecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s)oftheCodethatisallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•includeevidenceinsupportoftheallegation;

•nametheCouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretherequestismadeby agroupofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddated bytherequesterortherequester'srepresentative.

Therequesteristonotifytheotherpartyoftherequestandprovidehimorherwithacopyofthewrittenrequesteitherat thesametimeasitisprovidedtotheMayororassoonaspracticablethereafter.

TheMayoristoascertainwhetherornottheotherparty ispreparedtoattenda"directnegotiation"meeting.

Iftheotherpartyisnot preparedto attendameeting,theMayoristoadvisetherequesterforthwith.Nofurtheractionis requiredoftheMayor.

Iftheotherpartydeclinestoparticipateinameeting,thisdoesnotconstitutea contraventionofthisCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Iftheotherpartyconsentsto ameeting,theMayoristoconveneameetingofthepartiesattheearliestavailableopportunity. Unlessoneorbothpartiesareunavailable,thisshouldbewithin 5workingdaysofreceivingtheconsent ofthe otherparty.

TheMayormaypresentthepartieswithguidelines,inadvanceofthemeetingoratthemeeting,tohelpfacilitatethemeeting.

TheroleoftheMayor atthemeetingistoprovideguidancetoCouncillorsaboutwhatisexpectedofaCouncillorincludinginrelationtotheroleofaCouncillorundersection65oftheAct, andtheobservationofthecouncillorconductprinciplesandtheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

TheMayoristodocumentanyagreementreachedatthemeeting. Copiesoftheagreementaretobeprovidedtobothparties. Whereonepartydoesnotcomplywiththeagreement,theotherpartyhasrecoursetoexternalmediationortheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Ifthepartiescannotresolvethedisputeatthemeeting,afurthermeetingmaybeconvenedwiththeconsentofbothparties.Wherethe disputeremainsunresolved,eitherorbothoftheparties haverecoursetoexternalmediationortheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

WheretheMayorisapartyto thedispute,therequestistobemadetotheDeputy Mayor (ifany)or theimmediatepastMayor.TheDeputyMayorortheimmediatepastMayorwillperformthefunctionsascribedtotheMayor.

Phase2-Externalmediation

ACouncillor oragroupofCouncillorsmaymakean applicationforadispute tobereferredforexternalmediationwhetherornotthe disputehasbeenthesubjectofanapplicationfor"directnegotiation".

Anapplicationmadefora disputetobereferredforexternalmediationmayrelateto:

•aninterpersonalconflictbetweenCouncillorswheretheconflictisorislikely toaffecttheoperations oftheCouncil;or

•anallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Theapplicantis tosubmitawrittenapplicationtothePrincipalConductOfficersettingoutthenameoftheCouncillorandthedetailsofthedispute. The applicationistoindicate thattheapplicationisforan"externalmediation". Wherethe applicationrelatesto anallegedcontraventionofthe CouncillorCodeofConduct,the applicationmust:

•specifythenameoftheCouncillorallegedto havecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s)oftheCodethatisallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•includeevidencein supportoftheallegation;

•nametheCouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretheapplicationismadebyagroupofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddatedbytheapplicantortheapplicant'srepresentative.

Theapplicantistonotifytheotherpartyoftherequestandprovide himorherwithacopyoftheapplicationeitheratthesametimethatitissubmittedtothePrincipalConductOfficerorassoonaspracticalthereafter.

ThePrincipalConductOfficeristoascertain(inwriting)whetherornottheotherpartyispreparedtoattendan"externalmediation". Iftheotherpartydeclinestoparticipateinan

externalmediation,heorsheistoprovidetheirreasonsfordoingsoinwritingtothePrincipalConductOfficer.Thesereasonsmaybetakenintoaccountifthematteris,subsequently,thesubjectofanapplicationforaCouncillorConductPanel.

Whentheotherpartydeclinestoparticipateinan externalmediation,thisdoesnotconstitutea contraventionofthisCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Iftheotherpartyagreestoparticipateinanexternalmediation,thePrincipalConductOfficeris toadvisetheapplicant,theMayorandChiefExecutiveOfficerforthwith.

The ChiefExecutiveOfficeristoengagetheservices ofanexternalmediatortoconductthemediationattheearliestpracticableopportunity.

Themediatoristodocumentanyagreementreachedatthemeeting. Copiesoftheagreementaretobeprovidedtobothparties. Whereonepartydoesnotcomplywiththeagreement,theotherpartyhasrecoursetotheinternalresolutionprocedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontravention oftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Ifthepartiescannotresolvethedispute atthemeeting,afurthermeetingmaybeconvenedwiththeconsentofbothparties.Wherethedisputeremainsunresolved,theapplicanthasrecoursetotheinternalresolution procedurewherethematterrelatestoanallegedcontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Phase3-Internalresolutionprocedure-Arbiter

An applicationcannotbemadeforaninternal resolutionprocedure duringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection. Anyinternal resolutionprocedurethatisinprogressistobesuspendedduringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection.

IftherespondenttoanapplicationforaninternalresolutionprocedureisnotreturnedtoofficeasaCouncillorintheelection,theapplicationlapses.Iftherespondentis returnedtoofficeintheelection, theapplication mayresumeif:

•the application wasmadebytheCouncilandtheCouncilsoresolves;or

•theapplicationweremade byagroupofCouncillorsandanyone(ormore)ofthoseCouncillorswhohas beenreturnedtoofficewishestoproceedwith theapplication;or

•theapplicant(individual Councillor)isreturnedtoofficeandwishestoproceedwiththeapplication.

AcouncillororagroupofcouncillorsmaymakeanapplicationallegingthataCouncillorhas contravenedthisCouncillorCodeofConduct.Theapplicationmust:

•specifythenameoftheCouncilloralleged tohavecontravenedtheCode;

•specifytheprovision(s)oftheCodethatisallegedtohavebeencontravened;

•includeevidenceinsupportoftheallegation;

•nametheCouncillorappointedtobetheirrepresentativewheretheapplicationismadebyagroupofcouncillors;and

•besignedanddatedbytheapplicantortheapplicant'srepresentative.TheapplicationmustbesubmittedtotheCouncil'sPrincipalConductOfficer.

Anapplicantmaywithdrawanapplicationforaninternalresolutionprocedure.Onceanapplicationhasbeenwithdrawn,thesameorasimilarapplicationrelatingtothesameinstanceinrelationtotherespondentCouncillorcannotberesubmitted bytheapplicant.

Onreceivinganapplication,thePrincipalConductOfficerwill:

•advisetheMayorandCEOoftheapplicationwithoutunduedelay;

•provideacopyoftheapplicationtotheCouncillorwhoisthesubjectoftheallegationattheearliestpracticalopportunitybutnotlaterthantwoworkingdaysfromreceiptoftheapplication;

•identifyanarbitertoheartheapplication;

•obtainfromthe arbiterwrittenadvicethattheyhavenoconflictofinterestinrelationtotheCouncillorsinvolved;

•notifytheparties ofthenameoftheproposedarbiterand providethem withtheopportunity(2workingdays)toobjecttothepersonproposedtobethearbiter;

•considerthegroundsofanyobjectionandappointtheproposedarbiter oridentifyanotherarbiter;

•provideacopyoftheapplicationtothearbiterassoonaspracticableaftertheopportunityforthepartiestoobject toanarbiterhasexpired;

•afterconsultationwiththearbiter,advisetheapplicantandtherespondentofthetimeandplaceforthehearing;and

•attendthe hearing(s)andassistthearbiterintheadministrationoftheprocess

Inidentifyinganarbitertoheartheapplication,thePrincipalConductOfficermustselectanarbiter whoissuitablyindependentandabletocarryout theroleofarbiterfairly.

Theroleofthearbiteristo:

•considerapplicationsalleginga contraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConductbya Councillor;

•makefindingsinrelationtoanyapplicationallegingacontraventionoftheCouncillorCodeofConductwhichthearbitermustgivetotheCouncil;

•giveawrittenstatementofreasonssupportingthefindingstotheCouncilatthesametimeasitgivesitsfindingstotheCouncil;

•recommendanappropriatesanctionorsanctionswherethearbiterhasfoundthataCouncillorhascontravenedtheCouncillorCodeofConduct.

Inconsideringanapplicationallegingacontraventionofthe CouncillorCodeofConduct,anarbiter will:

•inconsultationwiththePrincipalConductOfficer,fixa timeandplacetoheartheapplication;

•authorisethePrincipalConductOfficertoformallynotifytheapplicantandtherespondentofthetimeandplaceofthehearing;

•holdasmany meetingsasheorsheconsidersnecessary toproperlyconsidertheapplication.Thearbitermayholdadirectionshearing;

•havediscretiontoconductthehearingsas heorshedeemsfitwhileensuringthatthehearingsareconductedwithaslittleformalityandtechnicalityasdueandproperconsiderationoftheapplicationallows;

•ensurethatthepartiestoandaffectedbyanapplicationaregivenanopportunitytobeheardbythearbiter;

•consideranapplicationbyarespondentto havelegal representationatthehearingtoensurethatthehearingisconductedfairlyandmay,inhisorher absolutediscretion,granttheapplicationordenytheapplication;

•ensurethat therulesofnaturaljusticeareobservedandappliedinthehearing oftheapplication;and

•ensure thatthehearingsareclosedtothepublic.

Whereanapplicationtohavelegal representationisgrantedbyanarbiter,thecostsoftherespondent'slegalrepresentationaretobebornebytherespondentintheirentirety.

Anarbiter:

•mayfindthataCouncillorwhoisarespondenttoaninternalresolutionprocedureapplicationhasnotcontravenedtheCode;

•mayfindthataCouncillorwhoisarespondenttoaninternalresolutionprocedurehascontravenedtheCode;

•willsuspendconsiderationofaninternalresolutionprocedureduringthe electionperiodforageneralelection.

ThearbiteristogiveacopyofhisorherfindingsandthestatementofreasonstotheCouncil,the applicantandthe respondent.Atthesametime,thearbiterprovidesthefindingsandstatementofreasons, heorsheshall, whereaCouncillorhasbeenfoundtohavecontravenedtheCode, recommendanappropriatesanctionorsanctionsforthecontraventionforconsiderationbytheCouncil.

Acopyofthearbiter'sfindings,statementofreasonsandanyrecommendedsanctionsistobesubmittedtothenextordinarymeetingoftheCouncilforitsconsideration.If anarbiterhasfoundthatacontraventionoftheCodehasoccurred,theCouncilmay,afterconsideringthearbiter'sfindings,statementofreasonsandrecommendationonsanctions,giveanyorallofthefollowingwritten directionstotheCouncillor:

•directtheCouncillortomakeanapology inaformormannerspecifiedbytheCouncil;

•directtheCouncillortonot attendupto, butnotexceeding,2meetingsoftheCouncil(inrespectofthenextscheduledmeetingsoftheCouncil);

•directthat,foraperiodof upto,butnotexceeding,2monthsonadatespecifiedbytheCounciltheCouncillor:

oberemovedfromany positionwheretheCouncillor representstheCouncil;and

oto notchairorattendanyadvisorycommitteeor specialcommitteemeetingor

anassemblyofCouncillorsoranyothermeetingspecifiedinthedirection.

ACouncillorwhodoesnotparticipateintheinternalresolutionproceduremaybeguiltyofmisconduct.TheActprovides thatmisconductbyaCouncillormeansanyofthefollowing:

(a)failurebyaCouncillortocomplywiththeCouncil'sinternalresolutionprocedure;or

(b)failurebyaCouncillortocomplywithawrittendirectiongivenbytheCouncilundersection81AB;or

(c)repeated contraventionofanyoftheCouncillorconductprinciples.AllegationsofmisconductareheardonapplicationbyaCouncillorConductPanel.