Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Councillors, Committee Members & Candidates

In accordance with s.5.104 of the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021, every local government in Western Australia is required to prepare and adopt a Code of Conduct to be observed by council members, committee members and candidates. The Code must contain elements prescribed by the Regulations but can also include, in Division 3 Behaviour, further requirements as decided by Council. 

Complaints alleging a breach of Division 3 Behaviour must be submitted:

  • In writing using the approved form;
  • To the Shire’s authorised Behaviour Complaints Officer (the CEO); and
  • Within one month of the alleged breach occurring.

For more information on the Shire’s Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates, please refer to the following:

Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates

Policy 1.42 - Code of Conduct Behaviour Complaints Management

Behaviour Complaint Form – Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates (Division 3)

Alleged Breaches of Code of Conduct Division 4 Rules of Conduct

Alleged breaches of Division 4 are considered to be breaches of the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 (otherwise known as “minor breaches”) and are dealt with by the Local Government Standards Panel. Information on how to make a complaint of minor breach, including the complaint form to be used, is available from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website. 

Complaints of minor breach should be submitted:

  • In writing using the approved form;
  • To the Shire’s Complaints Officer (the CEO); and
  • Within six months of the alleged breach occurring.

Code of Conduct for Employees

The Shire of Gingin's Code of Conduct (“the Code”) provides Employees in local government with consistent guidelines for an acceptable standard of professional conduct. The Code addresses, in a concise manner, the broader issue of ethical responsibility and encourages greater transparency and accountability in individual local governments.

The Code is complementary to the principles adopted in the Local Government Act 1995 and Regulations which incorporate the following fundamental aims:

  1. Better decision making by local governments;
  2. Greater community participation in the decisions and affairs of local governments;
  3. Greater accountability of local governments to their communities; and
  4. More efficient and effective local government.

The Code provides a guide and a basis of expectations for Employees. It encourages a commitment to ethical and professional behaviour and outlines principles in which individual and collective local government responsibilities may be based.

Code of Conduct for Employees

Enquiries

Contact the Shire's Governance Department on (08) 9575 5100