Code of conduct

This Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (“the Model Code of Conduct”) is made under section 440 of the Local Government Act 1993 (“LGA”) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (“the Regulation”).

The Model Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards of conduct for council officials. It is prescribed by regulation to assist council officials to:

• understand and comply with the standards of conduct that are expected of them

• enable them to fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence (section 439)

• act in a way that enhances public confidence in local government.

Section 440 of the LGA requires every council (including county councils) and joint organisation to adopt a code of conduct that incorporates the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. A council’s or joint organisation’s adopted code of conduct may also include provisions that supplement the Model Code of Conduct and that extend its application to persons that are not “council officials” for the purposes of the Model Code of Conduct (eg volunteers, contractors and members of wholly advisory committees).