The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring our communities have the utmost confidence in their local council.
Today, amendments to the Local Government (General) Regulations 2015 Act and a new ministerial Code of Conduct Order have been implemented.
This will bring into effect the provisions of the Local Government Amendment (Code of Conduct) Act 2023, which was passed by the Tasmanian Parliament in September last year.
Minister for Local Government, Nic Street, said establishing a clear and consistent Code across all councils will strengthen the Tasmanian local government sector.
"It will also ensure all elected representatives meet the same conduct and behavioural expectations," Minister Street said.
"These changes will modernise and improve the operation of the Code of Conduct Framework, as well as support councils to manage disputes and behavioural issues.
"The changes to the regulations and establishment of a new Ministerial Order are essential to bring into effect the legislative amendments passed by the Parliament.
"The amendments include the introduction of mandatory dispute resolution policies for councils within the next year, and improvements to the initial assessment of Code of Conduct complaints."
A single Code of Conduct now automatically applies to all Tasmanian councillors and the Code itself has been adjusted to make clear councillors must not engage in prohibited conduct under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.
"The community should have confidence their councils are delivering for them where it matters, and that their local councillors are representing their interests and upholding appropriate standards of conduct", Minister Street said.
"With these changes we are supporting councils to manage minor issues 'in-house' without having to resort to the Code of Conduct process, and making sure only genuine conduct matters are the subject of a formal complaint.
The Government remains committed to working with the sector to continuously improve the framework for dealing with conduct and behavioural matters.
"That is why we have put lifting standards of professionalism, conduct, and integrity front and centre in our Local Government Priority Reform Program 2024-26, which will include consideration of new avenues for dealing with serious and repeated misconduct," Minister Street said.
Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, this Government is committed to making Tasmania the best place to live, work and raise a family. These changes will go towards that.
"I would like to thank the community and local government sector for having their say on these critical changes, which will ensure our Code of Conduct framework is robust and fit for purpose."
You can view the Gazette notice here.
