SAFEGUARDS to monitor and give the Minister for Local Government power to rein in and suspend unruly councillors have been updated and adopted by Wangaratta council.

A new 'Model Code' has been applied to the Rural City of Wangaratta Council, replacing the Councillor Code of Conduct adopted in February 2021.

The code prescribes the minimum standards of behaviour expected of elected representatives and their obligation to treat fellow councillors, members of council staff and members of the public by:

· not engaging in demeaning, abusive, obscene or threatening behaviour;

· not engaging in behaviour that intentionally causes/perpetuates stigma, stereotyping, prejudice or aggression against a person or class of persons;

· not engaging in discrimination or vilification;

· supporting council in developing and maintaining respectful relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal community; and

· supporting council in fulfilling its obligations to achieving and promoting gender equality.

Obligations under the code include representing the municipality as a whole rather than the ward in which they were elected.

The code prescribes that councillors must comply with the council expenses policy, governance rules, the councillor gift policy and any ministerial direction relating to governance processes and failures.

It also outlines that councillors must act with integrity, exercise reasonable care and diligence and take reasonable steps to avoid any action that may diminish the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity local government.