Under the Local Government Act 1989, councillors must provide leadership and good governance for the municipal district and the community.
Councillors must provide good governace in a range of activities including:
- civic leadership
- representation and advocacy
- inter-governmental negotiation
- marketing and communication
- decision making and enforcement of local laws
- local policy and planning development in a regional and state context
- accountability and performance measurement
- resources and asset management
When local government practises good governance, its communities are more connected and engaged, better services are provided, community confidence in council is improved, resources are better used and better outcomes are achieved.
What is good governance
Governance is 'The process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).'
Good governance exists when a government governs for, and on behalf of, its community.
Good governance is underpinned in local government by specific provisions in the LG Act including a councillor code of conduct, councillor conduct principles, provisions relating to misuse of position, improper direction and improper influence, treatment of confidential information and the disclosure of conflicts of interest.
Good governance is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, inclusive and law abiding.
The principle and practice of democratic governance underpins governance in the local government sector. Democratic governance refers to the democratic nature of local government and the accountability of local government to their communities.