Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates

The Shire of Ashburton is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability and ethical behaviour in all of its activities. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021, the Shire has adopted a Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates*.

This Code establishes the standards of behaviour expected of those in public office and supports accountable and a transparent local government.

The Code outlines:

  • Overarching principles to guide behaviour
  • Behavioural requirements and complaint processes managed by the Shire
  • Rules of conduct, which may be referred to the Local Government Standards Panel where appropriate

    *an individual is considered a Candidate when their nomination for a local government election is accepted by a Returning Officer under section 4.49 of the Local Government Act 1995. The Code of Conduct then applies to that individual from that point. Any alleged breach of the Model Code may only be addressed if and when the individual is elected as a council member.

    Under this Code of Conduct, complaints regarding alleged breaches by a Council Member, Committee Member or a Candidate are internally administered by the executive, or by referral to the Local Government Standards Panel depending on the particular situation.

    For information about the Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates, please refer to the documents or the general guidelines link listed below:

    Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates

    Breach Form - Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidate

    Council Policy – Complaints Management

    Model of Conduct Guidelines

    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.