The Local Government Act 2009 specifies that the Minister for Local Government must make a code of conduct for councillors in Queensland. The Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland sets out the values that describe the types of conduct councillors should demonstrate under each of the five local government principles, and standards of behaviour expected of councillors and mayors when carrying out their role as elected representatives.
By following the behaviours set out in the code of conduct, councillors increase public confidence in local government and their decisions.
The code of conduct contains the legislative definitions of conduct breach, misconduct and corrupt conduct and clarifies that conduct which relates solely to behaviour engaged in by a councillor in a personal capacity is not subject to the councillor complaints framework and therefore, the Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland does not apply.
Consequences of failing to comply
Failure to comply with the standards of behaviour in the Code of Conduct, or other conduct prescribed in this code of conduct may give rise to a complaint against a councillor’s conduct and subsequent investigation and disciplinary action under the legislation if found to have engaged in a conduct breach, misconduct, or corrupt conduct.
A complaint about the conduct of a councillor must be reported to the Office of the Independent Assessor or the Crime and Corruption Commission in the case of corrupt conduct.
Councillor Conduct Register
In accordance with Section 150DX of the Local Government Act 2009, Council is required to keep a register of complaints made against Councillors and the outcome of these complaints. The current register can be accessed on Council’s website (below) or by making an appointment to inspect the register at Council’s Administration Centre.
Councillor Conduct Register(PDF, 214KB)