Council officials play a vital role in serving local communities. To do this effectively, they need to uphold the highest standards of behaviour to ensure communities have trust and confidence in Local Government.

The standards of behaviour are described in detail in the Model Code of Conduct. The Code is a legal document that all officials are obliged to understand and follow. 

The Model Code forms the basis of each council’s code of conduct. The Model Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards of conduct for council officials. It is prescribed by regulation to assist council officials to: 

• understand and comply with the standards of conduct that are expected of them 
• enable them to fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence (section 439) 
• act in a way that enhances public confidence in local government.