Elected Member Code of Conduct

Town Hall stairs

There is a single statewide Code of Conduct in effect for all Tasmanian councils.

This is known as the Local Government (Code of Conduct) Order 2024.

Learn more about the Code of Conduct Framework for Tasmanian councillors on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website.

Legislation

The code of conduct framework is legislated under the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act).

Purpose

The Code of Conduct sets the expected behaviour for Aldermen and Councillors. It covers all parts of their role as elected representatives of the Hobart community.

Application of Standards

The following standards are identified and addressed within the Code:

  1. Decision making
  2. Conflict of interest that are not pecuniary
  3. Use of office
  4. Use of resources
  5. Use of information
  6. Gifts and benefits
  7. Relationships with community, councillors and council employees
  8. Representation

How to make a complaint

Anyone can file a code of conduct complaint against an Alderman or Councillor. This is for any breach of the Code of Conduct by them. A complaint must be made within six months of when the Alderman or Councillor allegedly broke the code of conduct.

You can make a complaint about more than one Alderman or Councillor if the complaint involves the same behaviour and the same Code of Conduct issue.

A complaint may not be made by more than two complainants jointly.

The process for making a complaint through the code of conduct process is as follows:

  1. Complete a Local Government Code of Conduct Complaint Form(PDF, 153KB).
  2. Attach to the complaint form a statutory declaration. This must be signed by the complainant or by each complainant. It must verify the accuracy of the information contained in the complaint.
  3. Pay the code of conduct complaint fee at the Customer Service Centre. It's located at 16 Elizabeth Street and open from 8:15 am to 5:15 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. The fee is prescribed under Schedule 3 (Fees) of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2025 and is currently $95.50.
  4. Lodge the complaint with the CEO of the City of Hobart in one of the following ways:
    • email: coh@hobartcity.com.au
    • in writing: to the CEO, City of Hobart, GPO Box 503, Hobart 7001
    • in person: Customer Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Once the CEO confirms the complaint meets the required standards, they will send it to the Code of Conduct Panel.

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