Last chance to have your say on councillor misconduct review
Wendy Tuckerman – Minister for Local Government
Monday, 21 March 2022
The NSW Government is encouraging the community to provide feedback on plans to strengthen councillor misconduct procedures, with submissions on a comprehensive review closing on 28 March, 2022.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Independent Review of the Councillor Misconduct Framework is assessing the current processes and procedures for addressing allegations of councillor misconduct.
“Councillors are elected to serve their communities and those communities deserve the highest standard of conduct in return for their trust,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Through this review we will strengthen complaints and investigation processes, timeliness and effectiveness of disciplinary actions, and penalties available.”
Mrs Tuckerman said the review will help to ensure quick and effective action against councillors who breach their council’s code of conduct.
“I urge councils, peak bodies and community members to have their say, helping to ensure councillors are upholding the highest standards as they carry out their civic duties,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The review will examine the framework for dealing with councillor misconduct and the effectiveness of penalties available to councils, the Office of Local Government and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Complaint processes in other jurisdictions will also be assessed as part of the review, and consultation carried out with key agencies, stakeholders and councils.
A comprehensive consultation paper and terms of reference have been released as part of the independent review, which is being undertaken by Gary Kellar PSM.
MEDIA: Damien Bolte | 0498 359 624
| PDF Version | Ministerial Media Release – 21 March 2022 |