The Greater Geelong Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to meeting the high standards of behaviour expected by the community and working together constructively.
An updated Councillor Code of Conduct 2021 was adopted last night, meeting a Local Government Act 2020 requirement for the Council to endorse the new code within six months of last year's local government elections.
The code represents councillors' pledge to govern Greater Geelong effectively, behave respectfully and demonstrate principles of integrity that the community deserves.
Five standards of conduct replace the former code's primary principles of conduct:
- Treatment of others;
- Performing the role of councillor;
- Compliance with good governance measures;
- Councillor must not discredit or mislead the Council or public;
- Standards do not limit robust political debate.
Councillors will continue to model the City's four values:
- Respect and encourage each other;
- Create a healthy and safe environment for all;
- Embrace new ideas and better ways to work; and
- Make people the centre of our business.
The Councillor Code of Conduct 2021 will be publicly available on www.geelongaustralia.com.au
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the Council was elected into a position of trust.
Councillors take their leadership role seriously and we are committed to working together as a team, being respectful and acting transparently.
These standards ensure that despite differing views at times, we can continue to work cohesively to get the best outcomes for the Greater Geelong community.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the new code was a fresh reminder of councillors' responsibilities.
It's important the Council models the behaviours that the community expects and that we expect of ourselves.
It doesn't take much to be polite and respectful while engaging in robust discussion. In the end, we're all here for the one goal - to serve the community.
