2018-12-11 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   11 DECEMBER 2018




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                           11 DECEMBER 2018

                                                         Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs
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           For example, Councillors will, at a minimum:
                  3.1    When expressing an opinion dissenting with the majority decision of Council,
                         respect the democratic process by acknowledging that the Council decision
                         represents the majority view of the Council
                  3.2    When making public comment, clearly state whether they are speaking on behalf of
                         Council or expressing their personal views
                  3.3    Avoid making unnecessary or irrelevant comments or accusations about Councillors
                         or Council employees in order to undermine them or their position
                  3.4    Ensure behaviour and presentation is appropriate to maintain the dignity of the
                         office of the Councillor.

           Consequences of failing to comply with the Code of
           Conduct

           Failure to comply with the standards of behaviour in this Code of Conduct, or other conduct
           prescribed in this Code of Conduct may give rise to a complaint against a Councillor's conduct and
           subsequent disciplinary action under the Act.
           A complaint about the conduct of a Councillor must be submitted to the Independent Assessor who
           will assess the complaint and determine the category of the allegation. In order of most to least
           serious, the categories of complaint are corrupt conduct, misconduct, inappropriate conduct
           and then unsuitable meeting conduct.
           Unsuitable meeting conduct
           Under section 150H of the Act, any conduct by a Councillor that is contrary to the standards of
           behavior in the Code of Conduct that occurs within a meeting of Council (including standing
           committee meetings), is dealt with as unsuitable meeting conduct.
           Unsuitable meeting conduct by a Councillor is dealt by the Chairperson of the meeting. It is
           important that the Chairperson deal with matters of unsuitable meeting conduct locally, and as
           efficiently and effectively as possible so that Council can continue with their business of making
           effective decisions in the public interest.
           Note: Chairpersons of meetings are carrying out a statutory responsibility under the Act to manage
           and lead the meeting. As such, where a Chairperson behaves inappropriately in a meeting this
           involves a serious breach of the trust placed in them as the Chairperson of the meeting and may
           be dealt with as misconduct (see below).

           Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland                                        Page 7 of 10

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