Councillors should be transparent in their dealings

Nic Pasternatsky (Peninsula News, January 15) assures us that Council has been working within the model code of conduct for local councils in NSW and that the State Government is considering changes to this model.

This is good to hear, for Gosford councillors are not the only ones who seem to find it so difficult to understand what constitutes a "conflict of interest".

It appears to be such a common problem that ICAC, after receiving many submissions, has produced a position paper on this matter.

It's not only considering changes to the model code of conduct but also the establishment of conduct committees.

For a councillor, who in private life works for the directors of the company proposing development applications, to not only be present at council but to vote on these matters and at no time to admit his situation, is considered by a number of people to constitute a "conflict of interest".

It would be difficult to prove that this person was not influenced in any way by his position.

A conflict of interest does not have to depend on monetary gain; it can be for prestige, fame or simply in order to retain a job.

We supposedly elect councillors to work first and foremost for the public interest; there should never be any suspicion that this is not the case.

Gosford Council has its own Code of Conduct.

If it is not important, why do we have it?

Council is never really scrutinised by the local press and, in the present situation, council has been both judge and jury on an internal matter and it has given no explanation for its conclusions.

Surely the public is entitled to know just how this three-man committee reached its conclusions.

In that way, we can judge for ourselves if the committee was "impartial".

Reform is certainly essential in order to enhance the accountability of councillors to the community and to improve their credibility.

The people of the Gosford City deserve better and, in the coming council elections, rate-payers should demand that the people they are electing are prepared to ensure higher, effective standards and, above all, that they are transparent in their dealings.

Margaret Lund Woy Woy Bay