The “Behavioural Standards Panel” is part of a new conduct management framework for councils which aims to see less ratepayers’ money spent on mediators and lawyers to resolve disputes and scrutinize behaviour complaints.

A statement released by the State Government today said the new panel is designed to deal with complaints about behaviour which cannot be resolved internally.

“The panel has wide-ranging powers to deliver sanctions or resolve difficult disputes that can arise between council members, or between council members and employees,” the statement read.

“These sanctions aim to encourage elected members to behave as ratepayers expect, while also instilling confidence in other council members, employees, and the broader community that action will be taken to address particularly poor behaviour when necessary.

“The panel can apply various penalties for poor behaviour, including suspending a member for up to three months, with or without their allowance.”

As part of the new conduct management framework, Minister for Local Government Geoff Brock has released behavioural standards that will apply to all council members across the state.

Councils have six months to decide if they want to supplement the Minister’s standards with additional expectations of their own, and must also have internal policies to deal with bad behaviour.

The South Australian Ombudsman will still be tasked with investigating integrity requirements complaints for council members, such as conflict of interest requirements, or the proper management of gifts and benefits.

Brock said despite the fact that most council members act with professionalism in the 68 local government areas in South Australia, the panel will help set the tone for the newest term of council.

“Councils across the state will benefit from having a clear path to escalate serious matters, with the independent panel vested with strong powers to hold elected members behaving poorly to account,” Brock said.

“As part of the new conduct management framework, mandatory training and clear standards of expected behaviour will also guide members to work together and maintain the professional relationships expected by our communities.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Association of South Australia Clinton Jury said mayors and councillors often oversee millions of dollars’ worth of projects, so ought to conduct themselves appropriately.

“The commencement of the new Behavioural Standards Panel is a significant milestone for the local government sector, which gives councils clearer legislative avenues to resolve any serious or repeat instances of poor behaviour within the council chamber,” Jury said.