LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question about the release of the local government governance discussion paper.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: I understand the minister and the Local Government Association have agreed to work together to canvass a number of reforms on the issues of governance, accountability and standards of conduct in the local government sector. Will the minister provide further information on this important matter?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:03): I would like to thank the honourable member for his very important question. Members will recall that in October last year the Premier announced a range of new public integrity reforms, including the establishment of an independent commission against corruption (ICAC). These reforms included proposed new measures in the local government sector, including a framework for a mandatory code of conduct for elected members and staff, sanctions for breaches of standards, dealing with complaints and processes for investigation of allegations of maladministration.

The new public integrity reforms will also consider structure and powers of investigation where there have been allegations of corrupt or illegal behaviour. In the context of these reforms, it is appropriate to give further consideration to several important issues within the local government sector with the aim of further strengthening public integrity processes within councils. These proposals include prescribing a mandatory code of conduct for elected members and staff.

Also, I am pleased to advise the chamber that, last week, the president of the LGA (Mr Kym McHugh) and I jointly released a discussion paper which has been distributed to all councils and interested parties. The discussion paper also addresses conflict of interest provisions, training and education support to councillors and council staff, consideration of councils for items 'in confidence', and meeting procedures.

The paper will canvass further legislative reform of the Local Government Act 1999, as well as other regulatory measures for assisting councils and their elected members in undertaking their duties. Any member of parliament, council member or interested person can make comment or provide a submission, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in this important matter to please do so.