2022-07-12 - S&O Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Governance Framework Report

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

A significant part of good governance in local government is when elected
members and employees act with the highest ethical standards. In turn, having
open and ethical processes and standards which adhere to the law and stand up to
scrutiny promotes public trust in the community.

Ethics are standards of behaviour that set out what people ought to do, and are
primarily focused on behaviours and actions.[6] Acting in line with high ethical
standards means that people are accountable, transparent, law -abiding, responsive,
equitable and inclusive, participatory and consensus oriented.

In a public role, ethics are critical to ensuring that people are acting in the public
interest. Unethical behaviour can lead to a loss of trust in an individual and a loss of
confidence in the council as a whole. Within this context, demonstrating a high
ethical standard means elected members and employees must:
 • Act within the limits and obligations of their role,
 • Comply with their code of conduct,
 • Manage conflicts of interest, and
 • Make transparent decisions.

Fraud, misconduct and corruption
Council expects elected members and employees to act in accordance with their
codes of conduct and behave ethically and honestly when performing their
functions and during their interactions with each other, the community and
stakeholders. Council has adopted a Fraud and Corruption Control Policy which
articulates Council’s position of “zero tolerance” on fraud and corruption. To support
the policy, Council has implemented a Fraud and Corruption Control Plan which
details internal controls in place to prevent, identify, report and deal with such
matters.

Conflict of interest
The nature of Council’s business may result in conflicts of interests arising between
an individual’s personal interests and the performance of their public or professional
duties. Conflicts of interest can arise from various sources, including family, friends,
investments, past employment etc. Conflicts of interest are not necessarily wrong,
rather it is important that when a conflict is declared, they are handled
appropriately. To this effect, Council’s Code of Conduct for Employees and
Organisational Conflict of Interest Policy outlines how employees are to declare
and manage conflicts of interest.

Equally, elected members must also declare any conflicts of interest while
performing their duties in accordance with legislative requirements.




[6] Tasmanian Government, Good Governance Guide, p. 14.


NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL                                                                PAGE 17