NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has issued a reminder to all NSW residents that any submissions they wish to contribute to the review into the Model Code of Conduct for local councils must be received by Friday afternoon.

Mr Page said the Model Code of Conduct was an evolving document which was in need of amendments and he urged anyone interested in the operations of councils to contribute to a discussion paper at the Division of Local Government website, www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.

“The Model Code of Conduct, which has been operating since 2005, is an important document which sets the minimum standards of ethical and other conduct that all Council officials are required to observe when fulfilling their work obligations,” Mr Page said.

“The Division of Local Government believes that there remains scope for refinement and improvement of the Model Code and I think that option should be investigated.

“The Division has identified, or has had brought to its attention, a number of areas where the Model Code has not operated in the manner in which it was intended.”

Some of the things being considered include:
- The costs involved in Code investigations
- Misuse of the Code for political point-scoring
- The role of general managers in investigating Model Code of Conduct complaints
- Other options for managing complaints, such as mediation and negotiation

“The Model Code of Conduct is an important document as it informs residents in all NSW communities of the standards of conduct they are entitled to expect from their local government officials – so residents should be a part of the review process,” Mr Page said.

“I requested the Division of Local Government to issue the discussion paper on the Model Code to get the opinions of people who are interested in the Code, and I therefore urge anyone with concerns or ideas to contribute to it.”