LGNSW Welcomes Progress on Councillor Conduct Framework Review

the long-standing discussions around the need for such reforms.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has expressed strong support for the next step in the review of the Councillor Conduct Framework, following the release of the Discussion Paper by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig. The paper outlines potential reforms aimed at enhancing integrity, transparency, and trust within local government.

LGNSW President Darriea Turley AM welcomed the framework, acknowledging its importance for councils and highlighting

“This is a signifcant step forward in maintaining the highest standards of probity across all levels of local government,” Turley said. She added that LGNSW looks forward to collaborating with councils and the government to ensure that the fnal framework works for everyone, ensuring effciency, clear expectations for elected offcials, and confdence for the community.

Key highlights of the proposed framework include:

• Reduction in Costs: The framework may reduce costs by eliminating the need for private investigators. Instead, complaints about conficts of interest would be directed to the Offce of Local Government (OLG), while complaints about misbehaviour would go to a Local Government Privileges Committee.

• Mayoral Powers: Mayors would gain additional powers to sanction councillors for disorderly conduct during meetings. However, signifcant penalties like suspension or disqualifcation would only be issued by appropriate bodies like the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

(NCAT), rather than by a government offcial.

Turley emphasized the importance of all councils reviewing the Discussion Paper and submitting feedback before the 15 November deadline, despite the busy lead-up to the 14 September council elections.

The Councillor Conduct Framework Discussion Paper is available for review on the Offce of Local Government website.