Code of Conduct
Revised October 2009
The Victoria Daly Shire Council Code of Conduct was adopted at it's Ordinary Council meeting on the 11th December 2009.
Objectives
To promote the high standard of behaviour residents and the wider community expect of both Victoria Daly Shire Council and staff members.
To avoid disciplinary action, penalties and fines Code of Conduct for Councillors.
- Provide sensible leadership, speak up for residents and let them know what the Shire Council is doing.
- Act with integrity – be honest, accountable for your actions, make fair decisions for all residents and respect country.
- Act in the best interests of the whole Shire, not just your family, skin group ect, community or ward.
- Tell the Council when you have or may have a conflict of interest (using your position on the council to benefit yourself or family)
- Do not ask for or accept gifts from anyone who may benefit from a Shire Council decision.
- All Shire Council property (buildings, equipment, computers and vehicles) can only be used for agreed Shire Council business.
- Keep confidential Shire Council business confidential and don’t use the information for your own benefit or to harm others.
- Be a good representative of the Shire Council and do not damage its good reputation.
- Listen with respect at meetings, help each other and behave, act and talk in a courteous manner while on Shire Council and community business.
- Do not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when on Shire Council business.
- Do not make personal demands on staff, interfere with their work or reprimand them.
- Follow all Australian and Northern Territory laws and Shire Council bylaws and policies.
- Do not discriminate against anyone because of their cultural background, gender, age or disability.
- Recognise that the Mayor represents the Council publically (newspapers, television, radio ect) on the policy, decisions and actions of Council.
Code of Conduct for Staff
- Act with integrity – be honest, accountable for your actions and treat all residents fairly.
- Act in a careful and diligent manner and in the best interests of the whole Shire Council and the environment.
- Follow all lawful and reasonable directions given by your supervisor.
- Declare to the CEO when you have or may have a conflict of interest (using your position at the Council to benefit yourself or your family)
- Do not ask for or except gifts from anyone who may benefit from a Shire Council decision.
- All Shire Council property (buildings, equipment, computers, and vehicles) can only be used for agreed Shire Council business.
- Keep confidential Shire Council business confidential and don’t use the information for your own benefit or to harm others.
- Do not act in a way that damages the good reputation of the Shire Council
- Listen with respect at meetings, help each other and behave, act in a courteous manner whilst employed by the Shire Council.
- Do not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when working at the Shire Council.
- Do not make personal demands on Councillors or interfere in Shire Council decision making processes.
- Follow all Australian and Northern Territory laws and Shire Council bylaws and policies
- Do not discriminate against any one because of their cultural background, gender, age, or disability.
- Do not make public comment on Council policy or decisions (newspapers, television, radio etc) without the permission of the CEO
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
There are serious punishments for some breaches of this code. For example, a fine of up to $44,000 and 2years jail for breaching confidentiality and a fine of up to $11,000 for not declaring a conflict of interest.
The Minster and/or the Mayor may also take disciplinary action against Councillors who break this Code of Conduct. For example non-payment of sitting fees, suspension or termination from Council, disqualification from reelection.
The CEO will take disciplinary action against staff members who breach this Code of Conduct. Serious breaches may lead to dismissal.