Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) President Darriea Turley – who is also an ex-Broken Hill Mayor and current councillor – has welcomed recommendations from the Code of Conduct Accountability Review, which if adopted by the State government will cover all NSW councils.
Many of the 49 recommendations directly align with LGNSW submissions to the review, including the creation of an independent statutory body that will deal with councillor misconduct and the introduction of stricter penalties for those found guilty of wrongful conduct.
“The overwhelming majority of councillors do the right thing, but in very rare instances of misconduct it is essential that we have an appropriate framework in place that can respond in an efficient and fair manner,” Cllr Turley said.
In addition, mayors and meeting chairs would be given more powers to sanction councillors who were being disorderly during council meetings, while further training would be provided to councillors and those who stand in council elections around appropriate conduct and behaviour.
“Unfortunately, for too long we have had to contend with a resolution system that is undermined by lengthy delays and a lack of effective sanctions,” Cllr Turley continued.
She added that what LGNSW considered a failed system not only tarnished the reputation of local government in NSW but in some cases overshadowed the great work councils did for their communities.
“The recommendations outlined in this review will go a long way to rectifying the shortcomings when dealing with misconduct in local government and help ensure those found guilty of wrongdoing will face the appropriate penalty,” said Cllr Turley.
Cllr Turley also said it was crucial that the independent statutory bodies put forward by the review maintained their independence.
