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Councillor Conduct

 

Code of Conduct

The Local Goverment Act 2009 states that the Minister must make a code of conduct for councillors in Queensland. The Code of Conduct for Councillors in Queensland sets out the principles and standards of behaviour expected of Councillors and Mayors when carrying out their roles, responsibilities and obligations as elected representatives for their communities. All councillors must declare that they will abide by the Code of Conduct when they are elected. The Code of Conduct applies to all councils.

The Code of Conduct for councillors is backed by tougher penalties for those who breach the code, including for corrupt conduct, misconduct, inappropriate conduct and unsuitable meeting conduct.

Complaints about Councillor Conduct

There are different processes to address complaints made against councillors depending on how serious the alleged conduct is.

Councils are responsible for:

  • unsuitable meeting conduct
  • inappropriate conduct referred to the council by the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA)
  • putting systems in place to educate and support councillors that will prevent poor conduct.

More serious matters are dealt with by the OIA or the Councillor Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

For further information about the types of Councillor Conduct complaints refer to the Queensland Councillor Complaints Framework and Council’s Investigation Policy.

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