On 3 December 2018, legislative changes were made which change the way in which councillor conduct and complaints are managed in Queensland.
The Local Government Act 2009 states that the Minister must make a code of conduct for councillors in Queensland. This code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of councillors and mayors when carrying out their roles, responsibilities and obligations as elected representatives for their communities.
The Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland assists in efficiently making all councillors aware of their obligations around the three ‘R’s – responsibilities, respect and reputation.
The three ‘R’s ensure:
- that Councillors carry out RESPONSIBILITIES conscientiously and in the best interests of the council and the community
- they treat people in a reasonable, just, RESPECTFUL and non-discriminatory way
- their conduct does not reflect adversely on the REPUTATION of the council.
Tougher penalties will be imposed on councillors who breach the code, including complaints that fall into corrupt conduct, misconduct, conduct breach and unsuitable meeting conduct.
All councillors declare they will abide by this code of conduct when they are elected.
Office of the Independent Assessor
The Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) was formed to hold Councillors who commit misconduct to account, for the benefit of the community and the benefit of all councillors who are trying to do the right thing.
The OIA will assess and investigate all councillor complaints received about:
- unsuitable meeting conduct
- conduct breach
- misconduct
Where a complaint of corrupt conduct is received by the OIA, it will be referred to and handled by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Council has adopted a Councillor Complaints Investigations Policy(PDF, 935KB) which outlines the process for handling these complaints.
For further information about the complaints process, including how to lodge a complaint, can be found on the OIA website.
Councillor Conduct Register
As required by section 150DX of the Local Government Act 2009, Council is required to keep and publish a Councillor Conduct Register.
The register includes any breach by a councillor, as investigated and determined by the OIA for:
- unsuitable meeting conduct
- conduct breach
- misconduct
The register also includes all dismissed complaints determined by the OIA.