Adventures in the Code of Conduct - Clr Kellie Darley, Parramatta Council and the Supreme Court
You are invited to a free Zoom discussion on:
Adventures in the Code of Conduct for Councillors
Clr Kellie Darley, Parramatta Council and the Supreme Court
I was pleased to represent Clr Darley in her successful Supreme Court challenge to the decision of City of Parramatta Council to censure her.
On Thursday 6th November at 7pm, Kellie and I will discuss this important case and its lessons for understanding the Code of Conduct and the requirement for Councils and conduct reviewers to act in a procedurally fair way.
The Zoom is free but you need to register via Humanitix
You will be sent the Zoom link for the discussion on the morning of Thursday 6th November.
Adventures in the Code of Conduct for Councillors
Clr Kellie Darley, Parramatta Council and the Supreme Court
On Thursday 6th November Clr Kellie Darley (Parramatta) and I will discuss her success in having the NSW Supreme Court overturn her censure by the City of Parramatta. This story began when Clr Darley shared on Facebook an article from the Sydney Morning Herald which commented on the Council decision to sponsor the Parramatta Eels RL team. You can read the case here.
You can read media coverage of the case here and here
After a short outline of the main issues we will be taking questions on the case and the Code of Conduct generally.
For all Councillors understanding how Conduct Reviewers and the Council are required to ensure their investigation is independent of the Council is fundamental to receiving a fair outcome.
Important factors include:
Having sufficient details detailed in the Notice of Investigation to enable a councillor to understand and fully respond to any allegations;
Ensuring Council does not make comment to the conduct reviewer which may influence their consideration of the allegations
Ensuring councillors who are required to vote on a recommendation to censure a fellow councillor are not prevented from having access to all appendices to the Final Investigation Report and are not prevented from discussing the entire report.
For community members and residents groups, ensuring that the Code of Conduct is applied fairly when Councils, or Councillors, behave badly is important.
For Councils, understanding that Conduct Reviewers are independent of the Council is vitally important.
The Zoom session is free and there will be time for questions, but please register via Humanitix.
The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants on the morning of 6th November.
I hope to see you on 6th November at 7pm!
James
PS I understand there is no time that suits everyone. If you can’t make it but have questions regarding the Code of Conduct please fell free to call me.