Elected Member Code of Conduct
On 10 September 2024 a single statewide Code of Conduct came into effect for all Tasmanian councils without need for formal adoption by individual councils.
The Local Government (Code of Conduct) Order 2024 can be viewed on the Tasmanian Legislation Website.
For more information about the Code of Conduct Framework for Tasmanian councillors, visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.
Legislation
The code of conduct framework is legislated under the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). The Act is available to view at the Tasmanian Legislation Website.
Purpose
The Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of Aldermen/Councillors of the City in respect to all aspects of their role as elected representatives of the Hobart community.
Application of Standards
The following standards are identified and addressed within the Code:
1. Decision making.
2. Conflict of interest that are not pecuniary.
3. Use of office.
4. Use of resources.
5. Use of information.
6. Gifts and benefits.
7. Relationships with community, councillors and council employees.
8. Representation.
Making a Code of Conduct complaint
Any person can make a code of conduct complaint against one Alderman/Councillor in relation to the contravention by the Alderman/Councillor of the Code of Conduct. A complaint must be lodged within six months after the Alderman/Councillor or Aldermen/Councillors against whom the complaint is made allegedly committed the contravention of the code of conduct.
A complaint can be made against more than one Alderman/Councillor if the complaint relates to the same behaviour and the same Code of Conduct contravention. A complaint may not be made by more than two complainants jointly.
Submitting a complaint
The process for making a complaint through the code of conduct process is as follows:
1. Complete a Local Government Code of Conduct Complaint Form(PDF, 153KB).
2. Attach to the complaint form a statutory declaration, signed by the complainant or by each complainant, verifying the accuracy of the information contained in the complaint.
3. Pay the code of conduct complaint lodgement fee at the Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, 8.15 am to 5.15 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). The fee is prescribed under Schedule 3 (Fees) of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2015 and is currently $93.50.
4. Lodge the complaint with the CEO of the City of Hobart in one of the following ways:
- email: coh@hobartcity.com.au
- in writing: to the CEO, City of Hobart, GPO Box 503, Hobart 7001
- in person: Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
Once satisfied that the code of conduct complaint meets prescribed requirements, the CEO is to forward the complaint to the Code of Conduct Panel.