Elected councillors are responsible for setting policy and providing vision and strategic direction to the organisation. Councillors meet weekly at briefings and officially as the 'council' once a month at a council meeting. This is usually held on the fourth Monday of the month.
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Developing vision and strategies;
- Creating plans and policies, and setting priorities;
- Setting standards of service and quality;
- Focussing on outcomes;
- Consulting the community;
- Acting as an advocate for the whole community;
- Promoting economic and social development; and
- Working with all levels of government to maximise local and regional benefits.
- Many of their decisions are based on how to best use funds that are available to improve the city and its services.
Decisions are made on a majority vote of the councillors present at the meeting.
Councillor Code of Conduct
From October 26, 2024, all Councillors are required to observe the Model Code of Conduct which is prescribed in Schedule 1 of the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Amendment Regulations 2024.
The Model Code of Conduct replaces the previous statutory requirement for each Council to develop its own Councillor Code of Conduct.
The Model Code of Conduct establishes clear standards for the behaviour and responsibilities of Councillors. Its purpose is to ensure that Councillors can effectively perform their duties and functions, supporting the Council in its overriding role to provide good governance for the benefit and wellbeing of the municipal community. By setting these expectations, Councillors are better equipped to perform their duties in a manner that reflects the values of integrity, transparency, respect and accountability.