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

 ELECTED MEMBERS (COUNCILLORS)
Councillors are members of a team, elected by their constituents to work
collectively in the best interests of the whole community. Good governance is
dependent on a mature and constructive working relationship between
councillors. Therefore, councillors should behave in a manner that generates
community trust and confidence in them and enhances the role of both the
Council and the local government area. The best Council teams are those that have
different ideas, opinions and expertise but get on well at a personal level and
respect each other’s differences.

Councillors are expected to:
 • Conduct their ongoing relationship with other councillors, employees and the
   community with respect and courtesy.
 • Act within the law.
 • Act in good faith and not for improper or ulterior motives.
 • Act ethically.
 • Act in a reasonable, just and non-discriminatory manner.
 • Undertake their role with reasonable care and diligence.

These expectations are underpinned by the Code of Conduct for Councillors of
Queensland which is a public declaration of the principles of good conduct and
standards of behaviour that councillors must conform to when carrying out their
duties. This includes modelling the following standards of behaviour:
 • Carrying out responsibilities conscientiously and in the best interests of the
   Council and the community,
 • Treating people in a reasonable, just, respectful and non-discriminatory way,
   and,
 • Ensuring conduct does not adversely reflect on the reputation of Council.

Within this context, it is important that councillors have good relationships with
each other so that they are able to persuade, through respectful debate and
discussions, sufficient numbers of their fellow councillors to support and prioritise
the specific matters or priorities they wish to advance.

The structure of Council, consisting of a group of independently elected
councillors, is an environment in which good relationships, mutual respect and a
constructive appreciation of differences are required for good decision -making
and the capacity of councillors to deliver on their various election platforms.
Therefore, Councillors need to keep an open mind and be open to listening to
other points of view.




NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL                                                              PAGE 24