Governance Framework and Legislative Compliance Policy

QPRC has developed a Good Governance Framework to ensure the organisation has in place strong, robust and accountable internal business processes whilst at the same time it models external focused behaviours/principles which promote public confidence in the organisation. Council has drawn upon two best practice models of good governance to achieve this dual internal/external focus. Internally it has utilised the ‘Governance Lighthouse’ which is advocated by the NSW Audit Office for use by public-based organisations, whilst externally, it has drawn upon the Council of Europe ‘Twelve Principles of Good Democratic Governance at the Local Level’ Model which is specifically aimed at promoting best practice within local government.

Sitting beneath the Good Governance Framework is a Legislative Compliance Policy. This policy draws upon the broad principles identified within the Good Governance Framework. The purpose of the policy is:

1. To ensure that Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council complies with legislative requirements

2. Promotes a culture of good governance and compliance within the organisation in line with Council’s Good Governance Framework

3. Prevents, and where necessary, identifies and responds to breaches of laws, regulations, codes or organisational standards occurring in the organisation

4. Assists the Council in achieving the highest standards of governance to promote public confidence in the organisation.

The policy sets out the individual roles and responsibilities of Council Officials (Councillors, Committee Members, Senior Management and Employees) in respect of achieving good governance within the organisation.