Publications and Resources

Code of Ethics

A Members Guide to Ethical Business Practice

- Including a procedure for dealing with allegations of misconduct.

This Code provides members with an authoritative guide on acceptable standards of professional conduct. No guidelines can deal definitively with the myriad of ethical conflicts encountered in such a complex work environment as local government.

Accordingly, ethical practice demands a personal commitment to the intrinsic value and importance of high standards of professional conduct. This Code serves an invaluable purpose however, by providing underpinning principles, and an interpretation of those principles, for reflection and ultimate adoption.

The prescription and commitment to high standards of ethical behaviour is a hallmark of every worthy profession. The LGMA commends these principles to all members as a sound and proper framework for a career in the service of the public through local government.

Compliance with principles and rules

The Code comprises fundamental principles (Part B) and specific rules (Part C and D) derived from the fundamental principles. Compliance with both the fundamental principles and the rules is required of all members.

Summary of important background considerations on which the Code of Ethics has been based

This Code of Ethics for local government managers has been guided by the following considerations:

A member of the Local Government Managers Australia must:

• Uphold constitutional government, the laws of the community and the principle of the rule of the law.
• Be dedicated to efficient, effective and democratic local government by responsible elected members and to the belief that competent professional management is essential to achieve this.
• Uphold the dignity and worth of service rendered by local government, maintain a constructive, creative and practical attitude towards their employer’s affairs and a deep sense of social responsibility.
• Recognise that the main function of local government is to serve that best interest of the community.
• Recognise that elected members are responsible for determining policy upon receipt of advice from management and that policy implementation devolves upon that management. Thus, a local government manager is ethically responsible for their employer’s decisions and actions. This Code governs the responsibilities of local government managers not councillors.

Contents

Part A - Fundamental Principles
Part B - Rules on Conflict of Interest
Part C - Rules on the Conduct of Members
Part D - Rules on Fraud
Further Information / Enquiries