Code of Conduct for Elected Members' disclosure of political affiliations

The City of Cockburn's response to PerthNow Cockburn on 3 May 2022 about the Code of Conduct re disclosure of Elected Members' political affiliations

Questions: 1. Does the elected member code of conduct policy at the City of Cockburn cover this already? If so, can you point me to where this is outlined?
2. If there has been past or there are currently any thoughts around amending the policy to include a reference to political affiliations, please outline.

Answer: The City’s Elected Member Code of Conduct does not contain any express provision which requires disclosure of a Councillor’s past or present affiliations with any political party.
However, the Code does require Elected Members to “participate in decision-making in an honest, fair, impartial and timely manner”.
Further, the Code requires Elected Members to “base decisions on relevant and factually correct information” and make such decisions on merit, in the public interest and in accordance with statutory obligations, guided by the principles of good governance and procedural fairness.
The Code also requires Elected Members disclose any interest which could, or be reasonably perceived to, adversely affect the impartiality of the Elected Member.
This is in addition to the statutory disclosure obligations of Elected Members as required under the Local Government Act 1995.
Any change to the Code would be a decision for the Council.
The Code is not currently under consideration by Council, however it is reviewed by Council as required.