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

  TRANSPARENCY &
  DISCLOSURES
  As part of the principles of good governance and transparency, Council has
  legislative guidance, codes of conduct and procedures in place to manage the
  personal interests of elected members and employees via disclosures. For
  example, elected members are required to disclose any conflicts of interest on
  matters to be discussed at a Council or Standing Committee meeting (other than
  ordinary business matters).


  COUNCILLORS AND DECLARING CONFLICTS OF
  INTEREST
  To ensure transparency, accountability and integrity, councillors must manage
  their conflicts of interest (COI) between the public interest, their personal
  interests and the interests of their related persons. It is a councillors’
  responsibility to decide whether or not to declare a COI.

  Legislation governing COIs for councillors is covered in the Local Government
  Act 2009 and they apply to:
   • Decisions made during council meetings; and,
   • Any discussion about issues that take place before the council meeting,
     including workshops, informal meetings, processes followed, or discussions
     between councillors that could influence the future decision by Council.

  There are different types of COIs that apply to councillors. Furthermore, the
  Queensland Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs
  (DLGRMA) states that it is important that elected members do not participate in
  a decision where they could approve council spending, a development, contract
  or anything else that might specifically help them or people they are close to.

  Prescribed Conflict of Interest

  A prescribed COI is a specific, clear list of situations where legislation states that
  councillors must not participate in decisions. This includes:
   • Donations (gifts) + loans + sponsored travel or accommodation totaling $2,000
     or more.
   • Matter relating to a contract with council for the supply of goods or services,
     or lease or sale of council assets, including any discussions leading to the
     establishment of the contract or tender.
   • Matter relating to an application or submission to council (e.g. development
     approval or grant application).
   • Appointment/employment matters of CEO, if a close associate.


NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL                                                                 PAGE 31