ElectionPeriod(Caretaker)Policy

FileId: / A3447156 / Directorate: / CorporateServices
Authority: / Council / ResponsibleOfficer: / ManagerGovernanceCommercialProperty
PolicyType: / Legislative / VersionNumber: / 001
PolicyEndorsement: / EndorsementrequiredbyCouncil
1stAdoptedbyCouncil: / 15March2016
Minute#s1277,1278 / LastAdoptedbyCouncil: / 15March2016
Minute#s1277,1278
ReviewPeriod: / Within12monthspriortoGeneralElections / NextReview / October2019

1. TableofContents

1.Tableof Contents...... 1

2.Purpose...... 2

3.Background...... 2

4.Scope...... 3

5.References...... 3

6.Definitions...... 3

7.CouncilPolicy...... 4

CaretakerPeriod...... 4

Misuse of Position...... 5

ContactwithStaff...... 5

Councillor Expenditure...... 5

CouncilResources...... 6

CommunityResponse GrantsProgramFunding...... 6

DecisionMaking...... 6

ExtraordinaryCircumstances...... 7

CaretakerStatement...... 7

Public Consultation...... 7

CouncilCommunicationsandPublications...... 7

Social Media...... 8

FunctionsandEvents...... 9

AccesstoInformation...... 10

Candidate Information...... 10

Information Request Register...... 11

Roleof ReturningOfficer...... 11

Grievances...... 11

Disclaimer...... 11

8.Related Documents...... 12

9.Appendix1-RelevantSections from theLocalGovernmentAct1989...... 13

Section55D ProhibitiononCouncil...... 13

Section76BPrimaryprinciple of Councillorconduct...... 13

Section76BAGeneralCouncillor conduct principles...... 13

Section76C CouncillorCodeofConduct...... 14

Section76D Misuse of position...... 14

Section76E Improperdirection andimproperinfluence...... 15

Section93A Conductof Councilduring electionperiod...... 15

93BCouncil toadoptanelectionperiodpolicy...... 16

Section95 Conductprinciples...... 17

10.Appendix2–Election PeriodCertificationProcedure...... 18

2.Purpose

Thepurposeofthispolicyisto:

  • Meetthelegislativerequirementofsection93BoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989(LGA);
  • guideCouncilandCouncil’soperationaladministratorsduringtheleaduptoCouncilGeneralElections;
  • ensureCouncillors,candidatesandCouncilstaffunderstandtheirstatutoryrequirementsandobligationsduringanElectionPeriodasdefinedbytheLocalGovernmentAct1989;and
  • maintainthecommunity’strustinthetransparencyofCouncilandtheCouncilelectionsprocess.

Thispolicydetailsthestatutory“ElectionPeriod”requirementsundersections55D(ProhibitiononCouncil),76D(MisuseofPosition)and93A(ConductofCouncilduringElectionPeriod)oftheLocalGovernmentAct1989,whichappliescertainlimitationstothefunctionsandpowersofCouncilasitentersthe“CaretakerPeriod”whileensuringthatthenormalbusinessofCouncilcontinuesanditsresponsibilitiestothecommunityaremet.

3.Background

UndertheLGA,theElectionPeriodappliestoallVictorianCouncils.ItspurposeistoensurethatpublicresourcesarenotusedinawaythatmayundulyaffectelectionresultsandtopreventCouncilsfrommakingcertaintypesofdecisionsthatmayundulylimitthedecisionmakingabilityoftheincomingCouncil.

TheCityofGreaterDandenongisstronglycommittedtoensuringfair,democraticandtransparentCouncilelectionsandendorsestheprinciplessetoutinthispolicyandtherelevantsectionsoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989.

AtthecommencementoftheElectionPeriod,theGreaterDandenongCityCouncilwillenterintowhatisknownasthe‘CaretakerPeriod’.ThispolicyoutlinesCouncil’sCommitmenttoensuringthat:

  • nomajorpolicydecisionsaremadeduringtheelectionperiod;
  • nodecisionsthatsignificantlyaffectthemunicipalityorunreasonablybindtheincomingCouncilaremadeduringtheelectionperiod;
  • publicresources,includingstaff,arenotusedforelectioncampaigning,orinawaythatmayimproperlyinfluencetheresultofanelection;
  • noelectoralmatterispublishedordistributedduringtheelectionperiod,unlessitissimplyinformationabouttheelectionprocess;and
  • electedmembersdonotreceiveorareperceivedtoreceiveanyadvantagesordisadvantagesoverothercandidatesduetotheirpositiononCouncil.

4.Scope

Thispolicyapplies:

  • toelectedmembers,candidates,CouncilcommitteemembersandCouncilemployees.
  • throughouttheElectionPeriod(CaretakerPeriod)oftheGreaterDandenongCityCouncilGeneralElections.

5.References

  • LocalGovernmentAct1989
  • LocalGovernment(Electoral)Regulations2005
  • PlanningandEnvironmentAct1987
  • VictorianElectoralAct2002
  • CGDCouncillorsSupport,ReimbursementandAccountabilityPolicy
  • CGDCommunityResponseGrantsProgramOperatingProcedures

6.Definitions

ElectionPeriodinrelationtoanelection,meanstheperiodthat:

(a)startsonthelastdayonwhichnominationsforthatelectioncanbereceived;and

(b)endsat6pmonElectionDay.

CaretakerPeriodhasthesamemeaningas‘ElectionPeriod’.

Electoraladvertisementincludesahandbill,pamphletornoticeandmeansanadvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticethatcontainselectoralmatter.Thisdoesnotincludeanadvertisementinanewspaperannouncingtheholdingofameetingorgeneralinformationabouttheelectionprocess.

Publishmeanstopresentinthepublicforumbyanymeansincludingverbally,viatheinternetorsocialmedia.

Publicconsultationmeansaprocessthatinvolvesinvitingindividuals,groupsor

organisationsorthecommunityingeneraltocommentonanissueorproposedactionorproposedpolicy,andwhichincludesdiscussionofthatmatterwiththepublic.

Significant decisionsmeansanirrevocabledecisionthatcommitsanincomingCounciltosubstantialfinancialexpenditure,majoroperationalactionsorlimitsthefreedomofanincomingCounciltomakeadecision,oradecisionthatwillsignificantlyimpactuponthemunicipality.

Electoralmatterforthepurposeofthispolicy,meansanymatterthatis‘intendedorlikelytoaffectvotingattheCouncilelection’excludingmaterialproducedforthepurposeofconductingtheelection.

IntheLGA,electoralmattermeansmatterwhichisintendedorlikelytoaffectvotinginanelectionbutdoesnotincludeanyelectoralmaterialproducedby,oronbehalfof,thereturningofficerforthepurposeofconductinganelection.

Withoutlimitingthegeneralityofthedefinitionofelectoralmatter,matteristobetakentobeintendedorlikelytoaffectvotinginanelectionifitcontainsanexpressorimplicitreferenceto,orcommenton:

(a)theelection;or

(b)acandidateintheelection;or

(c)anissuesubmittedto,orotherwisebefore,thevotersinconnectionwiththeelection.

7.CouncilPolicy

CaretakerPeriod

TheCaretakerPeriodforVictorianLocalGovernmentGeneralElectionscommencesat12.00noononthelastdayonwhichnominationsforthatelectioncanbereceivedandceasesat6.00pmonElectionDay.

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,Councilwillbedeemedtobeinelection‘caretakermode’.

TheareasofCouncil’soperationsthatwillbeimpactedduringtheCaretakerPeriodbythecaretakerprovisionsare:

  • decisionmaking(includingmajorcontractandpolicydecisionsordecisionsrelatingtotheemploymentoftheChiefExecutiveOfficer);
  • useofcouncilresources;
  • events;
  • media;
  • publications;
  • publicconsultation;
  • requestsforinformation;
  • Councillor expenditure;
  • grantsfunding;and
  • contactwithstaff.

TheChiefExecutiveOfficerwillensurethatallemployeesareinformedoftherequirementsofthispolicyatleast30dayspriortothecommencementoftheCaretakerPeriod.

MisuseofPosition

Councillorsandcandidatesmustbegivenequalaccesstosupportandinformationintheleaduptoanelection.UnderSection76DoftheLGA,Councillorscannotusetheircurrentpositiontogainaccesstoinformationorresourcesthatwouldotherwisenotbeavailable.

CouncilorsmustnotusetheirpositionasanelectedrepresentativeortheiraccesstoCouncilresourcestogainmediaattentionspecificallyinsupportofanelectioncampaign.

Nomemberofstaff,includingtheMayorandCouncillorsExecutiveAssistant,canundertakeanytasksconnecteddirectlyorindirectlywithaCouncillor’selectioncampaign.

UndertheLGA,thepenaltyformisuseofpositionis600penaltyunitsorimprisonmentorboth.

ContactwithStaff

TheChiefExecutiveOfficeroranystaffmembercannotbeaskedtoundertakeanytasksconnecteddirectlyorindirectlywithelectioneering.

AllqueriesandrequestsforaccesstoinformationduringtheCaretakerPeriodaretobedirectedthroughtheExecutiveManagementTeamortheManagerGovernanceandCommercialProperty.

Councilstaffmustactwithintegrityatalltimes.AnystaffmemberwhoconsidersthattheyhavebeenaskedtoundertakeanytaskconnecteddirectlyorindirectlywithelectioneeringmustadviseboththeirManager,theManagerGovernanceandCommercialPropertyandtheirDirectorimmediately.(SeeAppendix1foracopyoftheprovisionsintheLGAundersection95ConductPrinciples.)

Councillor Expenditure

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,claimsforreimbursementofexpensesmustbeusedexclusivelywithintherequirementssetoutintheCouncillorsSupport,ReimbursementandAccountabilityPolicyandundernocircumstanceusedinrelationtoanyelectioncampaigningoractivities.

CouncillorsshallnotparticipateinanyinterstateoroverseastravelorundertaketrainingorprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesintheircapacityasaCouncillorduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

CouncilResources

Publicresourcesmustnotbeusedinamannerthatmayinfluencevotinginanelectionorprovideanundueadvantageordisadvantagetoacandidate.

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,Councilresourcesincludingoffices,vehicles,staff,hospitality,services,property,equipment,stationery,Councillogos,photosorimagesmustbeusedexclusivelyforthepurposesoftheday-to-dayoperationsoftheCouncilandundernocircumstancesusedinrelationtoanyelectioncampaigningoractivities.

IntheeventthatCouncilresourcesmaybeperceivedasbeingrelatedtoelectioncampaigning,adviceshouldbesoughtfromtheChiefExecutiveOfficer.(SeeAppendix1foracopyoftheprovisionsintheLGAundersection55D.)

CommunityResponseGrantsProgramFunding

AssessmentofallCommunityResponseGrantsapplicationswillbesuspendedduringtheCaretakerPeriod.Councilwillstillacceptapplicationsduringthistime,buttheywillnotbeconsidereduntilafterthedayoftheelection.(SeeCommunityResponseGrantsProgramOperating Procedures.)

DecisionMaking

CouncilwillcontinuetoholdOrdinaryMeetingsofCouncilandCouncilCommitteemeetingsduringtheCaretakerPeriodtoensureCouncilcontinuestomeettheneedsofthecommunity.

Thefollowingdesignateddecisionsareprohibitedpursuanttosection93AoftheLGA:

  • decisionsrelatingtotheemployment,remunerationorterminationofapermanentChiefExecutiveOfficer;
  • decisionstoenterintocontractsthatarevaluedatmorethan$150,000(forpurchaseofgoodsandservices)or$200,000(forcarryingoutofworks)or1%oftheCouncil’srevenuefromratesandchargesintheprecedingfinancialyear(whicheverisgreater);or
  • decisionstoenterintoentrepreneurialventuresthatarevaluedatmorethan$100,000or1%ortheCouncil’srevenuefromratesandchargesintheprecedingfinancialyear.

Theprohibitionprescribedinsection93AoftheLGAalsoappliestodelegateddecisionsbyCouncilCommitteesorCouncilStaff.(SeeAppendix1foracopyoftheprovisionsintheLocalGovernmentActundersection93A.)

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,CouncilwillalsonotmakeanymajorpolicydecisionsoranysignificantdecisionsthatmaybeperceivedtoinappropriatelybindtheincomingCounciloranydecisionsthatcouldreasonablebemadeaftertheelections.

Extraordinary Circumstances

IfCouncilconsidersthatthereareextraordinarycircumstanceswheretheCityofGreaterDandenonganditscommunitywouldbesignificantlydisadvantagedbyCouncilnotmakingaparticularmajorpolicydecision,theCouncilcan,byresolution,requestanexemptionfromtheMinisterforLocalGovernmentinaccordancewithsection93A(2)oftheAct

CaretakerStatement

DuringtheCaretakerPeriodtheChiefExecutiveOfficerwillensurethataCaretakerStatementisincludedineveryreportsubmittedtoaCouncilmeetingfordecisions.

TheCaretakerStatementwillspecifyoneofthefollowingstatements:

a)therecommendeddecisionisnotaMajorPolicyDecisionasdefinedinSection93AoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989,orasignificantdecisionwithinthemeaningofCouncil’sElectionPeriod(Caretaker)Policy.

or

b)therecommendeddecisionisaMajorPolicyDecisionasdefinedinsection93AoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989,butanextraordinarycircumstancesexemptionwasgrantedbytheMinisterforLocalGovernmenton(insertdate).

PublicConsultation

PublicconsultationsshouldbeavoidedduringtheCaretakerPeriodwiththeexceptionofpublicconsultationrequiredunderthePlanningandEnvironmentAct1987ormatterssubjecttosection223oftheLocalGovernmentAct1989.

Ifitisimperativetotheday-to-dayoperationsofCouncilthatapublicconsultationneedstobeconductedduringtheCaretakerPeriod,itmustbeauthorisedinwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

ShouldCouncilberequiredtoconductapublicconsultationduringtheCaretakerPeriod,theconsultationmustnotexpressanylinkstotheelection.Inthelikelihoodthattheconsultationprocessistobecomecontentiousorpoliticallysensitiveitshouldnotproceed.

CouncilCommunicationsandPublications

Councilcommunicationsandpublicationsinallformats(withtheexceptionofCouncil’snewsletter“theCity”)willremaindistributedandaccessibleduringtheCaretakerPeriod,howevertheywillbelimitedtopromotingnormalCouncilservicesandactivities.

UndernocircumstancesareCouncilcommunicationsand/orpublicationsthatmightinfluencevotingorprovideanundueadvantageforacandidatetobedistributedduringtheCaretakerPeriod.Thislimitationdoesnotapplytoelectoralmaterialthatisonlyabouttheprocessoftheelection.

Section55DoftheLGAplaceslimitationsonCouncilfromprinting,publishingordistributingpublicationsduringtheCaretakerPeriod.ThisistoensurethatCouncildoesnotutilisepublicfundsthatmayinfluenceorbeseentoinfluencevoters.

Councilmustnotprint,publishordistributeapublicationduringtheCaretakerPeriodunlessithasbeencertifiedinwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer(theChiefExecutiveOfficermustnotcertifyapublicationthatcontainselectoralmatter).Despitesection98(2)oftheLGA,theChiefExecutiveOfficercannotdelegatethepowertocertifyanyCouncilpublications.

AnyCouncilpublicationwhichispotentiallyaffectedbythispolicywillbereviewedbytheGovernanceBusinessUnitandthencertifiedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficerinaccordancewiththeElectionPeriodCertificationProcedureforCouncilPublications(seeAppendix2).

EverypublicationwillcontainthefollowingstatementfromtheChiefExecutiveOfficer:

ThisdocumenthasbeencertifiedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficerinaccordancewithsection55DoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989.

Note:SomepublicationsmayneedtobecertifiedpriortotheCaretakerPeriodiftheyarescheduledfordistributionduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

ACouncillorormemberofCouncilstaffmustnotintentionallyorrecklesslyprint,publishordistribute,orcause,permitorauthorisetobeprinted,publishedordistributedanyelectoralmatterinthenameofCouncilorusingCouncilresourcesduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

UndertheseprovisionsandduringtheCaretakerPeriod,CouncilwillnotpublishitsOctobereditionoftheCity,GreaterDandenong’smonthlymagazine.

ACouncilemployeemustnotmakeanypublicstatementthatcouldbeconstruedasinfluencingtheelection.StatementsofclarificationmayberequiredfromtimetotimeandthesemustbeapprovedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

IntheeventthataCouncilspokespersonisrequiredforastatement,theChiefExecutiveOfficerwillfulfillthatrole.

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,CouncillorprofilesontheCouncilWebsitewillbelimitedtoanameandcontactdetailsonly,forthepurposeoftheirday-to-dayroleasanexistingCouncillor.(SeeAppendix1foracopyoftheprovisionsintheLGAundersection55D.)

SocialMedia

Section55DoftheLGAappliestoallcouncil-controlledcommunicationmediumsincludingsocialmedia.

InthesamewaythatCouncilcannotprintanyadvertisementsornoticeswithoutcertificationinwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer,CouncilcannotpublishanynoticesonsocialmediawithoutcertificationinwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

SocialMediaincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

  • Facebook;
  • Twitter;
  • Youtube;and
  • blogs

Anysubjectmatterthatispostedoncouncil-controlledsocialmediasitesduringtheCaretakerPeriod(includinganypostsbymembersofthepublic)thatcouldbeviewedaselectoralorcampaigningmaterialwillberemoved,suchasphotosofCouncillorsatpublicityeventsaswellasCouncillorprofilesfromCouncil’swebsite(excludingCouncillorcontactdetails).

ThesitewillbemonitoredregularlyduringbusinesshoursandanymaterialdeemedtobeelectioncampaignmaterialbytheCEOorhisdelegatewillberemovedassoonaspracticable.Postingsovertheweekendwillbemonitored,however,removalmaybedelayeduntilthefollowingbusinessday.

WhileCouncillorsstillundertakedutiesoftheirofficeduringtheCaretakerPeriod,theymustnotuseCouncil-relatedmaterial,opinionorcommentarywithintheirownpersonalsocialmediasitesduringthatperiod.

NomediaadviceorassistancewillbeprovidedtoCouncillorsinrelationtoelectioncampaignmatters.

FunctionsandEvents

NormalCouncileventsarenotprohibitedduringtheCaretakerPeriod,howeveritispositionunderthispolicythatCouncilkeepsthemtoaminimum.

AnyeventorfunctionheldduringtheCaretakerPeriodshallrelateonlytothenormalannualbusinessofCouncilandshallnotbeusedinconnectionwithanyelectionactivity.

Allpublicity,invitationsandspeechespreparedforuseaspartofaCouncileventorfunctionheldduringtheCaretakerPeriodmustbecertifiedinwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

Wherepossible,theChiefExecutiveOfficer,ordelegate,willpresideoveranyCouncileventorfunctionheldduringtheCaretakerPeriod.CouncillorsshouldavoidmakingaspeechatanyeventorfunctionduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

WherecircumstancesrequireaCouncillortospeak,thespeechmustnotcontainanypoliticalreferencesnorshallitprovideorbeperceivedtoprovideanundueadvantagetotheCouncillorinrelationtotheupcomingelections.

Thefollowingeventswillhavevariations:

  • MayorsAnnualEvent–whichmaybescheduledearlierintheyearsoitisnotheldduringtheCaretakerPeriod
  • CitizenshipCeremonies–willnotbeconductedduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

CouncillorsmustberemindedthatifrepresentingCouncilatafunctionoreventduringtheCaretakerPeriodthattheyarerepresentingtheCouncilandmustnotusetheopportunityforelectioneering.

FunctionsandeventsforthepurposeofelectioneeringmustnotandwillnotberesourcedorpublicisedbyCouncil.

AccesstoInformation

DuringtheCaretakerPeriod,CouncillorsandcandidatesshallnotrequestorreceiveinformationoradvicefromCouncilstafftosupportelectioncampaigns,norshallstaffprovidesuchinformation.

WhileitremainsimportantthatsittingCouncillorscontinuetohaveaccesstoinformationoradvicethatisnecessarytofulfilltheirexistingroles,theprovisionofthisinformationmustbeexercisedwithcautionandlimitedtocurrentmattersthatrelatetotheday-to-dayoperationsofCouncilasrequiredbytheCouncillorintheperformanceofhis/herdutiesasaCouncillor.

CouncilwillensuretransparencyintheprovisionofallinformationandadviceduringtheCaretakerPeriod.InformationandbriefingmaterialpreparedbystaffforCouncillorsduringtheCaretakerPeriodwillrelateonlytofactualmattersortoexistingservicestoassistCouncillorsinmaintainingtheday-to-dayoperationsandactivitiesofCouncil.

Allenquiriesfromcandidates(includingsittingCouncillors)inrelationtotheconductoftheelectionwillbedirectedtotheReturningOfficer.

Section76DoftheLGAprescribesseriouspenaltiesforanyCouncillorwhoinappropriatelymakesuseoftheirpositionorinformationobtainedintheroleofCouncillor,toadvantageordisadvantageanyperson.

AnyFreedomofInformationapplicationsrequiredtobeprocessedduringtheCaretakerPeriodonmatters,costsorexpensesrelatingtosittingCouncillorswillbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeFreedomofInformationAct1982but,wherepossible,outsideoftheCaretakerPeriod.(SeeAppendix1foracopyoftheprovisionsintheLGAundersection76D.)

Candidate Information

InconjunctionwiththeVictorianElectoralCommissionandLocalGovernmentsectorindustrybodies,CouncilwillprovidecandidateswithaCouncillorCandidateInformationKitandopportunitiestoattendaCandidiateInformationSessiontoassisttheminrunningandnominatingforCouncil.

TheInformationKitsandCandidateInformationSessionwilloutlinetheobligationsandrequirementsofnominatingatthe2016LocalGovernmentElections.

InformationRequestRegister

CouncilrecognisesthatallelectioncandidateshaveequalrightstopublicinformationfromCouncilAdministrationsubjecttothePrivacyandDataProtectionAct2014whichmaypreventdisclosureofcertaininformation.

ToensureCouncilmaintainscompletetransparencyintheprovisionofallinformationandadviceduringtheCaretakerPeriod,theGovernanceUnitwillmaintainanElectionsInformationRequestRegisterduringtheCaretakerPeriod.

TheElectionsInformationRequestRegisterwillbeapublicdocumentthatrecordsallrequestsrelatingtoelectoralmattersandnon-routinerequestsforinformationbyCouncillorsandcandidatesandtheresponsegiventothoserequests.

ResponsestorequestsforinformationbycandidatesshouldonlyberespondedtobyaManager,DirectororChiefExecutiveOfficerandshouldbeinwriting.

AllrequestsrelatingdirectlytoelectoralprocessorcampaigningmatterswillbereferredtotheReturningOfficer.

RoleofReturningOfficer

Allelectionrelatedenquiresfromcandidates,whethersittingCouncillorsornot,willbedirectedtotheReturningOfficer.WherethematterisoutsidetheresponsibilitiesoftheReturningOfficer,candidateswillbereferredtotheGreaterDandenongCityCouncil’sChiefExecutiveOfficerorhisdelegate.

Grievances

Councilconfirmsthatallcandidatesforthe2016GeneralElectionswillbetreatedequally.AnycomplaintsorgrievancesinrelationtothispolicyshouldbereferredtotheManagerGovernanceandCommercialProperty.AnycomplaintsorgrievancesinrelationtotheconductoftheelectionsshouldbereferredtotheReturningOfficerappointedbytheVictorianElectoralCommission.

Disclaimer

ThisPolicyshouldbeusedasaguideonlyandisnotasubstituteforlegaladvice.Ifnecessary,legaladviceshouldbesoughtindependentlytoclarifytherelevantaspectoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989and/oranyotherrelevantregulationsrelatingtothe2016CouncilElectionsCaretakerPeriod.

8.RelatedDocuments

LocalGovernmentAct1989FreedomofInformationAct1982CGDCodeofConduct-CouncillorsCGDCodeofConduct-Staff

CGDCouncillorSupport,ReimbursementandAccountabilityPolicyCGDGreaterDandenongCouncilMeetingStructureandPurposePolicy

9.Appendix1-RelevantSectionsfromtheLocalGovernmentAct1989

Section55DProhibitiononCouncil

(1)ACouncilmustnotprint,publishordistributeorcause,permitorauthorisetobeprinted,publishedordistributed,anyadvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticeduringtheelectionperiodunlesstheadvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticehasbeen certified,inwritingbytheChiefExecutiveOfficer.

(2)TheChiefExecutiveofficermustnotintentionallyorrecklesslycertifyanelectoraladvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticeduringtheelectionperiodunlessitonlycontainsinformationabouttheelectionprocess.

Penalty:60penaltyunits

(3)Despitesection98(2),theChiefExecutiveOfficermustnotdelegatethepowertocertifyanyadvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticeunderthissectiontoamemberofCouncilstaff.

(4)ACouncillorormemberofCouncilstaffmustnotintentionallyorrecklesslyprint,publishordistributeorcause,permitorauthorisetobeprinted,publishedordistributedanelectoraladvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticeduringtheelectionperiodonbehalfof,orinthenameof,theCounciloronbehalfof,orinthenameof,aCouncillorusingCouncilresourcesiftheelectoraladvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticehasnotbeencertifiedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficerunderthissection.

Section76BPrimaryprincipleofCouncillorconduct

ItisaprimaryprincipleofCouncillorconductthat,inperformingtheroleofaCouncillor,aCouncillormust:

(a)actwithintegrity;and

(b)impartiallyexercisehisorherresponsibilitiesintheinterestsofthelocalcommunity;and

(c)notimproperlyseektoconferanadvantageordisadvantageonanyperson.

Section76BAGeneralCouncillorconductprinciples

InadditionaltoactinginaccordancewiththeprimaryprincipleofCouncillorconductspecifiedinsection76B,inperformingtheroleofaCouncillor,aCouncillormust:

(a)avoidconflictsbetweenhisorherpublicdutiesasaCouncillorandhisorherpersonalinterestsandobligations;

(b)acthonestlyandavoidstatements(whetheroralorinwriting)oractionsthatwillorarelikelytomisleadordeceiveaperson;

(c)treatallpersonswithrespectandhavedueregardtotheopinions,beliefs,rightsandresponsibilitiesofotherCouncillors,Councilstaffandotherpersons;

(d)exercisereasonablecareanddiligenceandsubmithimselforherselftothelawfulscrutinythatisappropriatetohisorheroffice;

(e)endeavourtoensurethatpublicresourcesareusedprudentlyandsolelyinthepublicinterest;

(f)actlawfullyandinaccordancewiththetrustplacedinhimorherasanelectedrepresentative;

(g)supportandpromotetheseprinciplesbyleadershipandexampleandactinawaythatsecuresandpreservespublicconfidenceintheofficeofCouncillor.

Section76CCouncillorCodeofConduct

(1)ACouncillormustdevelopandapproveaCouncillorCodeofConductfortheCouncilwithin12monthsafterthecommencementofSection15oftheLocalGovernmentAmendment(CouncillorConductandOtherMatters)Act2008.

(2)ACouncilmustreviewtheCouncillorCodeofConductwithintheperiodof12monthsafterageneralelection.

(3)ACouncillorCodeofConduct:

(a)mustincludetheCouncillorconductprinciples;

(b)maysetoutprocessesforthepurposeofresolvinganinternaldisputebetweenCouncillors;

(d)mustincludeprovisionsinrespectofanymatterprescribedforthepurposeofthissection;

(e)mayincludeanyothermattersrelatingtotheconductofCouncillorswhichtheCouncilconsidersappropriate.

(5)ACouncillorCodeofConductmustnotbeinconsistentwithanyActorregulation.(5A)ACouncillorCodeofConductisisinoperativetotheextentthatitisinconsistentwith

anyActorregulation.

(6)AcopyofthecurrentCouncillorCodeofConductmustbe:

(a)giventoeachCouncillor;

(b)availableforinspectionbythepublicattheCouncilofficeandanydistrictoffices.

(7)Onanfromthecommencementofsection15oftheLocalGovernmentAmendment(CouncillorConductandotherMatters)Act2008,aCouncillorCodeofConductistakentoincludetheCouncillorconductprinciples.

Section76DMisuseofposition

(1)Apersonwhois,orhasbeen,aCouncillorormemberofaspecialcommitteemustnotmisusehisorherposition:

(a)togainorattempttogain,directlyorindirectly,anadvantageforthemselvesorforanyotherperson;or

(b)tocause,orattempttocause,detrimenttotheCounciloranotherperson.Penalty:600penaltyunitsorimprisonmentfor5yearsorboth.

(2)Forthepurposeofthissection,circumstancesinvolvingthemisuseofapositionbyapersonwhois,orhasbeen,aCouncillorormemberofaspecialcommitteeinclude–

(a)makingimproperuseofinformationacquiredasaresultofthepositionheorsheheldorholds;or

(b)disclosinginformationthatisconfidentialinformationwithinthemeaningofsection77(2);or

(c)directingorimproperlyinfluencing,orseekingtodirectorimproperlyinfluence,amemberorCouncilstaffincontraventionofsection76E;or

(d)exercisingorperforming,orpurportingtoexerciseorperformapower,dutyorfunctionthatherorshesnotauthorisedtoexerciseorperform;or

(e)usingpublicfundsorresourcesinamannerthatisimproperorunauthorised;or

(f)failingtodiscloseaconflictofinterestasrequiredunderthisDivision.

(3)Thissection-

(a)haseffectinadditionto,andnotinderogationfrom,anyActorlawrelatingtothecriminalorcivilliabilityofCouncillorsormembersofspecialcommittees;and

(b)doesnotpreventtheinstitutionofanycriminalorcivilproceedingsinrespectofthatliability.

Section76EImproperdirectionandimproperinfluence

(1)ACouncillormustnotimproperlydirectorimproperlyinfluence,orseektoimproperlydirectorimproperlyinfluence,amemberofcouncilstaffintheexerciseofanypowerorintheperformanceofanydutyorfunctionbythemember.

(2)ACouncillormustnotdirect,orseektodirect,amemberofCouncilstaff-

(a)intheexerciseofadelegatedpower,ortheperformanceofadelegateddutyorfunctionoftheCouncil;or

(b)intheexerciseofpowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionexercisedorperformedbythememberasanauthorizedofficerunderthisActoranyotherAct;or

(c)intheexerciseofapowerortheperformanceofadutyorfunctionthememberexercisesorperformsinanofficeorpositionthememberholdsunderanotherAct;or

(d)inrelationtoadviceprovidedtotheCouncilorspecialcommitteeincludingadviceinareporttotheCouncilorspecialcommittee.

(3)ThissectiondoesnotapplytoadecisionoftheCounciloraspecialcommitteethatismadewithinthepowers,dutiesorfunctionsconferredunderthisoranyotherAct.

Section93AConductofCouncilduringelectionperiod

(1)Subjecttothissection,aCouncil,aspecialCommitteeorapersonactingunderadelegationgivenbytheCouncilmustnotmakeamajorpolicydecisionduringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection.

(2)IfaCouncilconsidersthatthereareextraordinarycircumstanceswhichrequirethemakingofamajorpolicydecisionduringtheelectionperiod,theCouncilmayapplyinwritingtotheMinisterforanexemptionfromtheapplicationofthissectiontothemajorpolicydecisionspecifiedintheapplication.

(3)IftheMinisterissatisfiedthatthereareextraordinarycircumstances,theMinistermaygrantanexemptionfromtheapplicationofthissectiontothemajorpolicydecisionspecifiedintheapplicationsubjecttoanyconditionsorlimitationsthattheMinisterconsiders appropriate.

(4)Amajorpolicydecisionmadeincontraventionofthissectionisinvalid.

(5)Anypersonwhosuffersanylossordamageasaresultofactingingoodfaithonamajorpolicydecisionmadeincontraventionofthissectionisentitledtocompensationfromthecouncilforthatlossordamage.

(6)Inthissection,amajorpolicydecisionmeansanydecision:

(a)relatingtotheemploymentorremunerationofaChiefExecutiveOfficerundersection94,otherthanadecisiontoappointanactingChiefExecutiveOfficer;

(b)toterminatetheappointmentofaChiefExecutiveOfficerundersection94;

(c)toenterintoacontractthetotalvalueofwhichexceedswhicheveristhegreaterof:

(i)$100,000orsuchhigheramountasmaybefixedbyOrderinCouncilundersection186(1);or

(ii)1%oftheCouncil’srevenuefromratesandchargesleviedundersection158intheprecedingfinancialyear;

(d)toexerciseanypowerundersection193ifthesumassessedundersection193(5A)inrespectoftheproposalexceedswhicheveristhegreaterof

$100,000or1%oftheCouncil’srevenuefromratesandchargesleviedundersection158intheprecedingfinancialyear.

93BCounciltoadoptanelectionperiodpolicy

(1)ACouncilmustprepare,adoptandmaintainanelectionperiodpolicyinrelationtoprocedurestobeappliedbyCouncilduringtheelectionperiodforageneralelection.

(2)ACouncilmustprepareandadoptanelectionperiodpolicyasrequiredbysubsection(1):

(a)by31March2016;and

(b)followingthegeneralelectionon22October2016,continuetomaintaintheelectionperiodpolicybyreviewingand,ifrequired,amendingthepolicynotlaterthan12monthsbeforethecommencementofeachsubsequentgeneralelectionperiod.

(3)Anelectionperiodpolicymustincludethefollowing:

(a)proceduresintendedtopreventtheCouncilfrommakinginappropriatedecisionsorusingresourcesinappropriatelyduringtheelectionperiodbeforeageneralelection;

(b)limitsonpublicconsultationandtheschedulingofCouncilevents;

(c)procedurestoensurethataccesstoinformationheldbyCouncilismadeequallyavailableandaccessibletocandidatesduringtheelection.

(4)Acopyoftheelectionperiodpolicymust:

(a)begiventoeachCouncillorassoonaspracticableafteritisadopted;and

(b)beavailableforinspectionbythepublicattheCouncilofficeandanydistrictoffices;and

(c)bepublishedontheCouncil'sInternetwebsitemaintainedundersection82A.

(5)Inthissection,inappropriatedecisionsmadebyaCouncilduringanelectionperiodincludesanyofthefollowing:

(a)decisionsthatwouldaffectvotinginanelection;

(b)decisionsthatcouldreasonablybemadeaftertheelection.

Section95Conductprinciples

(1)Councilstaffmustinthecourseoftheiremployment:

(a)actimpartially;

(b)actwithintegrityincludingavoidingconflictsofinterest;

(c)acceptaccountabilityforresults;

(d)provideresponsiveservice.

(2)Nothinginsubsection9(1)(c)affectsthegrantingofanindemnitytoamemberofCouncilstaffinrespectofanyliabilityorlimitstheeffectof-

(a)anysuchindemnity,whethergrantedbeforeorafterthecommencementofsection67oftheLocalGovernment(DemocraticReform)Act2003;or

(b)anyimmunityconferredonamemberofCouncilstaffbyorunderanyAct,whetherbeforeorafterthatcommencement.

10.Appendix2–ElectionPeriodCertificationProcedureforCouncilPublications

Theprocess

  • PleaseunderstandandreadthroughCouncil’sElectionPeriod(Caretaker)Policy.
  • Ifyouareintendingtoprint,publishordistributeanyadvertisement,handbill,pamphletornoticeduringtheelectionperiodthenreadthroughthedocumentyouhaveproducedcarefullyandcheckthatitdoesnotcontainanyelectoralorelectoralrelatedmatter.
  • ThedocumentmustalsobecheckedbyGovernanceandcertifiedbytheCEOduringtheelectionperiod.
  • DOESNOTincludeoperationalletterstoresidentsfromCouncilofficersthatrespondtoqueries,registrations,requestsforpermits,payments,immunisations,etc.NormaloperationsofCouncilcontinueduringaCaretakerPeriod.However,ifyouareuncertain,sendyourpublicationtotheemailaddressabove.Governancewillreadtheproposedpublicationandcheckthatnoelectionmaterialispresent.
  • GovernancewillsendtheproposedpublicationtotheCEO.
  • TheCEOwillapprove/notapproveandcertifyinwritingtoGovernance/returnthedocumenttoGovernance.
  • Governancewilladvisethesubmitteroftheoutcomeofthecertificationprocessandwhatistobeincludedorchangedinthepublication.
  • Governancewillarrangeforacopy(alias)ofthedocumenttobesavedinaspecificelectionperiodfolderwithinObjective.

PleasedonotsenddocumentsdirectlytotheCEO.Turnaroundtime(maximum)forhavingresponsesbackistwoworkingdays.Wewillalwaysensurethaturgentmaterialisprioritised.

YourrequesttoGovernance

Thiscouldreadsomethinglike:

Thismaterialhasbeencheckedanddoesnotcontainanyelectoralorelectoralrelatedmattertothebestofmyknowledge.Inaccordancewiththerequirementsofsection55DoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989,couldyoupleasearrangecertificationinwritingthatthematerialisauthorisedtobeprinted,publishedordistributed.

StandardcertificationforCEO

ThisdocumenthasbeencertifiedbytheChiefExecutiveOfficerinaccordancewithsection55DoftheLocalGovernmentAct1989.