2018-12-11 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                            11 DECEMBER 2018


15                       LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE REFORM
DOCUMENT INFORM AT ION




Author                              Governance Advisor, Paul Bright
                                    Executive Services Department

Index                               ECM/ Subject/ Corporate Governance & Subject/ Legislation

Attachments                         1.    Summary of Legislative Changes
                                    2.    Model Meeting Procedures
                                    3.    Updated Standing Orders
                                    4.    Councillor Code of Conduct
                                    5.    Investigation Policy



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report provides an update on the legislative changes relating to local government governance
in Queensland. It confirms Council’s commitment and support of changes that aim to improve the
performance and accountability of local governments across the State. It proposes (for adoption)
a new Councillor Code of Conduct (as prescribed by the State Government), Model Meeting
Procedures and the update of Noosa Council’s Standing Orders 2014, and an Investigation Policy
for Councillor Complaints.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Governance Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 11 December 2018 and:
A.                       Adopt the Model Meeting Procedures provided at Attachment 2 to the report;
B.                       Adopt the updated Standing Orders for Noosa Shire Council 2014 (provided at Attachment
                         3 to the report) to remove any inconsistencies with the new Model Meeting Procedures;
C.                       Note that the CEO will undertake a comprehensive review of the Model Meeting Procedures
                         and Noosa Shire Council Standing Orders 2014 in early 2019;
D.                       Repeal the current Noosa Council Councillor Code of Conduct to be superseded by the
                         Councillor Code of Conduct prescribed by the Department of Local Government, Racing and
                         Multicultural Affairs provided at Attachment 4 to the report;
E.                       Agree that each Councillor will sign a declaration to abide by the new Councillor Code of
                         Conduct at all times; and
F.                       Adopt the Investigation Policy provided at Attachment 5.



REPORT
1.                       Background of Legislative Reform

On 17 May 2018, the Queensland Parliament passed the following pieces of legislation to improve
Queensland local government integrity and accountability:
   Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislative
     Amendment Act 2018; and
   Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislative Amendment Act 2018.

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