Employee and Workers Code of Conduct

The Shire of Ashburton is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability and ethical behaviour in all of its activities. Our Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for employees and all individuals working on behalf of the Shire are expected to act when delivering services to the community or representing the organisation. These standards support transparent decision-making, responsible use of public resources and respectful engagement with the community, stakeholders and each other.

Who Our Codes apply to

The Shire’s Employee Code of Conduct applies to:

  • Shire Employees
  • Other workers engaged by the Shire, including contractors, consultants, agency staff, volunteers, suppliers and business partners working with or on behalf of the Shire.

All persons representing the Shire are expected to act lawfully, ethically and in the best interests of the community.

Employees

The Shire’s Employee Code of Conduct is prepared in accordance with Section 5.51A of the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, applied to all employees working for the Shire.

The Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected when carrying out duties and interacting with the community, colleagues and stakeholders.

Key areas covered include:

  • Personal behaviour and professional conduct
  • Gifts and conflicts of interest
  • Disclosure and use of information
  • Use of local government resources
  • Record keeping
  • Reporting and management of misconduct

The Code reinforces the Shire’s commitment to ethical, fair and accountable service delivery.

For information about the implemented Employee Code of Conduct, please refer to the document below:

Employee Code of Conduct

Suppliers and Business Partners

The Shire works closely with contractors and service providers to deliver infrastructure, services and programs across the region.

All contractors, contractors, consultants, agency staff, volunteers, suppliers and business partners are expected to uphold the Shire’s ethical standards and act in a manner consistent with our values and Employee Code of Conduct when working with or on behalf of the Shire.

Expectations for external parties are outlined in the Shire’s Statement of Business Ethics.

This document provides guidance on:

  • Ethical behaviour and professional standards
  • Fair and transparent procurement practices
  • Managing conflicts of interest
  • Compliance with legislation and Shire policies

Contractors and suppliers are expected to familiarise themselves with these requirements and comply with all relevant contractual and ethical obligations.

Employee Code of Conduct

Reporting Concerns or Breaches

The Shire takes allegations of misconduct seriously.

If you believe there has been a breach of a Code of Conduct or ethical standard, you can report your concerns through the relevant processes outlined in the documents above or via the Shire’s complaints management framework.

All reports will be assessed and managed in accordance with legislative requirements and Council policies.