Conduct code is step forward

It is pleasing to see that there is now a revised Model Code of Conduct for councils.

This revised code requires a greater level of independence when looking into a complaint made against them.

The previous system obviously had serious flaws, principally that a mayor and general manager could be both investigator and judge on any complaints made against council; surely another conflict of interest.

The Local Government Department has told me that Gosford Council will now supply a full explanation of the reasons it dismissed my complaint.

It will explain why the three-man committee considered that Cr Drake had no conflict of interest, even when it found he was present for debate and voted on development applications put forward by parties whom he represented as solicitor: a fact presumably unknown to council and certainly to the public.

The new code is a step towards an improved and transparent democracy but the question remains: Who will appoint the new Conduct Review Committee and can their independence be proven?

Margaret Lund Woy Woy Bay