As councillors are being inducted across New South Wales, a new Councillor Conduct Framework Discussion Paper has been announced.

NSW Premier The Hon Chris Minns MP, LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM and Minister for Local Government, The Hon Ron Hoenig MP in August, signing an agreement of co-operation between the NSW Government and local councils.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig has extended the period for comment, with submissions due by November 15.

Local Government NSW President, Darriea Turley AM said the Local Government sector supports any move that would ensure the highest standards of integrity and probity across all levels of government.

“This issue has been the subject of long conversation for councils and the eventual framework will be a key cornerstone in maintaining integrity, transparency and trust in local government across the state and this next step in the consultation process is very much welcomed by the sector,” Cr Turley said.

“The Discussion Paper has a range of aspects to it and we look forward to working with councils to hear their feedback and then liaising with the Minister and the Government to ensure we get a final framework that works for everyone.

“Ultimately we want to see a framework that allows councils to carry out their functions efficiently and appropriately, will provide clear expectations to elected officials and confidence for the community at large.

“As financial sustainability of councils becomes an increasing concern for all of us, it’s good to see that this framework may lead to a reduction in costs to councils by way of removing the contentious role for private investigators.

“Instead, complaints about conflicts of interest would be made directly to the Office of Local Government (OLG) and complaints about misbehaviour would be made directly to a Local Government Privileges Committee.”

The proposed framework will give mayors greater powers to sanction councillors for acts of disorder during meetings.

Significant sanctions (such as suspension, financial penalties or disqualification) will only be made by an appropriate tribunal.

This is a vast improvement to the current arrangements where such penalties are made by a NSW Government official, often a substantial period of time after the event.

Details on the consultation process can be found on the website of the Office of Local Government or check The Riverine Grazier website grazier.com for the hyperlink.