Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has welcomed the Councillor Conduct Accountability Review, which was released by Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today.
LGNSW President Darriea Turley AM said the local government sector supported any move that would ensure the highest standards of integrity and probity across all levels of government.
“The overwhelming majority of councillors do the right thing, but in very rare instances of misconduct it is essential that we have an appropriate framework in place that can respond in an efficient and fair manner,” Cr Turley said.
“LGNSW is of the view that anyone found guilty of misconduct in politics – whether it be federal, state or local government – should face the consequences. It is for this reason that we expect state and federal politicians to be bound by a similar framework to the one recommended by this review.”
The review contains 49 recommendations, many of which align with those made by LGNSW in its submission to the review.
This includes the creation of an independent statutory body that will deal with councillor misconduct and the introduction of tougher sanctions for those found guilty of misconduct.
The review also calls for the establishment of an independent Councillor Conduct Commission to oversee Councillor Conduct Review Panels.
In addition, mayors and meeting chairs will be given more powers to sanction councillors who are being disorderly during council meetings, while further training will be provided to councillors and those who stand in council elections around appropriate conduct and behaviour.
“Unfortunately, for too long we have had to contend with a resolution system that is undermined by lengthy delays and a lack of effective sanctions,” Cr Turley said.
“This failed system not only tarnished the reputation of local government in NSW but in some instances overshadowed the great work councils do for their communities.
“The recommendations outlined in this review will go a long way to rectifying the shortcomings when dealing with misconduct in local government and help ensure those found guilty of wrongdoing will face the appropriate penalty.”
Cr Turley said it was essential that the independent statutory bodies proposed by the review maintain their independence.
“As we have seen in the past when it comes to integrity and politics – the devil is always in the detail. If we are to improve the system across all levels of politics we need to ensure that the so-called independent panels are genuinely independent and not open to political interference,” Cr Turley said.
“I would like to thank the Minister for commissioning the review and welcome her commitment to engage with the local government sector further on this vitally important issue.
“As part of the consultation process, it is imperative that all councils have until the end of February to comment on the review. This will allow each council with the opportunity to consider the review’s recommendations at their first meeting of the year.”
