Code of Conduct Policy

Code of Conduct for Board members, staff and members of Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Councils

 

1. Introduction
   • What is the purpose of this Code of Conduct?

This is the Code of Conduct for Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council (Wanaruah LALC) Board members and staff referred to in section 177(1)(a) of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA).

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is:

• to clearly set out for each LALC Board member and each staff member (together referred to in this Code of Conduct as LALC officials) the standards of conduct that are expected of them,
• in doing that, to assist Wanaruah LALC officials to comply with their duties under the ALRA, and
• provide clear standards against which Wanaruah LALC officials can be held to account.

By keeping to this Code of Conduct, Wanaruah LALC officials can help ensure that the LALC is run well and is better able to achieve its goals. This will also help give LALC members, other Aboriginal people in the LALC’s area and the public, confidence in Wanaruah LALC and confidence in Aboriginal Land Councils generally.

On the other hand, failing to uphold the standards in this Code of Conduct could have a serious impact on the functioning and standing of Wanaruah LALC. For that reason, breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken against the LALC official.

Wanaruah LALC officials might be aware that they are protected from personal liability by section 242 of the ALRA. But it is important to understand that this only applies to officials acting in good faith and for the purpose of carrying out the ALRA. Observing this Code of Conduct will help to ensure that Wanaruah LALC officials get the benefit of this important protection.

• Relationship to duties and obligations under the ALRA and other laws

There is overlap between the standards in this Code of Conduct and some duties and obligations that LALC officials have under the ALRA and under other laws (such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988).

For example, section 183 of the ALRA imposes general duties on LALC officials such as the duty to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Aboriginal Land Council. Very similar general duties are contained in this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct does not alter or take away from any duties and obligations imposed by the ALRA or by any other law.

This Code of Conduct is a stand-alone source of standards and rules. It has been developed and adopted by Wanaruah LALC to apply only to Wanaruah LALC officials.

• How to read and understand this Code of Conduct

Importance of the ALRA

This Code of Conduct must be read in light of the ALRA. It must be interpreted and applied only in a way that is consistent with the ALRA.

Importance of Wanaruah LALC’s Values

Wanaruah LALC’s values are set out below in Part 2 of this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct should be read in the light of these values, and it should be understood and applied in a way that reflects and supports these values.

The spirit as well as the word

This Code of Conduct is intended to clearly set out rules and standards that Wanaruah LALC officials have to observe. Wanaruah LALC officials are expected to uphold the spirit as well as the word of this Code of Conduct.

The use of “you”

To make reading and understanding this Code of Conduct easier, throughout the Code – apart from this “Introduction” – the word “you” is used to mean the Wanaruah LALC official reading the Code.

• Enforcing this Code of Conduct

All Board members and staff members need to be familiar with and uphold this Code of Conduct.

If necessary, Wanaruah LALC can take action to enforce this Code of Conduct.

This action could take a number of forms, depending on a range of factors. Some breaches may be best dealt with by discussion in an informal meeting or in mediation. For others, Wanaruah LALC may consider that referral to the Registrar for investigation and disciplinary action is necessary.   

This Code of Conduct also includes dismissal provisions of the kind referred to in section 178 of the ALRA. If a Board member breaches one of these provisions, Wanaruah LALC’s members can decide to dismiss them from office.

A breach of this Code of Conduct could also be corrupt conduct for the purposes of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988, and in that case Wanaruah LALC’s Chairperson will have a legal duty to report the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

2. Wanaruah LALC’s Values

Custodianship of Country

We recognise Country as living and sacred.
We are responsible for protecting land, waters, cultural sites and heritage for current and future generations.

In practice this means:

• Avoiding harm to cultural heritage.
• Prioritising environmental sustainability.
• Making land decisions based on long-term impact, not short-term gain.

 Cultural Authority and Respect

We honour Elders, knowledge holders and traditional governance structures.
Cultural protocols guide our decision-making.

In practice this means:

• Respecting cultural knowledge and intellectual property.
• Ensuring cultural voices are central in heritage and land decisions.
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Integrity and Accountability

We act with honesty, transparency and responsibility.
We are accountable to our members, community and statutory obligations.

In practice this means:

• Declaring conflicts of interest.
• Managing funds responsibly.
• Making decisions in the best interests of the community, not individuals.

Community First

The wellbeing of our members and community is at the centre of all decisions.

In practice this means:

• Considering social impacts of development.
• Supporting vulnerable members.
• Ensuring fair and inclusive engagement.

Respect and Unity

We treat each other with dignity, even during disagreement.
We work to strengthen unity and reduce division.

In practice this means:

• Zero tolerance for bullying and harassment.
• Constructive conflict resolution.
• Encouraging respectful debate in meetings.

 Self-Determination

We assert our right to make decisions about our land, culture and future.

In practice this means:

• Leading negotiations with external proponents.
• Ensuring free, prior and informed consent.
• Building economic independence through strategic land management.

Sustainability and Future Generations

Our decisions today must not compromise future generations.

Professionalism

We operate to high governance and operational standards.

In practice this means:

• Strong policies and compliance.
• Ongoing training.
• Consistent application of procedures.
• Open and transparency regarding decision making

 

 

 

Courage and Leadership

We make difficult decisions when required to protect community and Country.

In practice this means:

• Addressing misconduct.
• Standing firm in negotiations.
• Acting early to prevent harm.

Bottom of Form

3. General duties and standards
   • Conduct generally
     • You must always conduct yourself and exercise your authority:
       • in the best interests of Wanaruah LALC, its members and the community it serves,
       • in compliance with the ALRA, the Aboriginal Land Rights Regulation and law generally, and with Wanaruah LALC’s Rules, this Code of Conduct and LALC policies,
       • honestly and ethically, and
       • in a way which upholds Wanaruah LALC’s values.
     • You must not conduct yourself in a manner detrimental to or likely to be detrimental to Wanaruah LALC’s interests, or those of its members or the community the LALC serves.
     • You must not conduct yourself in a manner that is likely to bring Wanaruah LALC or Aboriginal Land Councils generally into disrepute.
   • Care and attention
     • You must always be reasonably diligent and attentive to the duties of your office or position.
     • Whatever your knowledge, skills or experience, you must always perform your duties and exercise your functions with reasonable care for the LALC’s benefit.
   • Honesty, good faith and proper purpose
     • You must always act honestly.

 

4. You must always make decisions and act:
   • in good faith – applying the ALRA, the LALC’s Rules and this Code and exercising your functions in a manner that honestly and genuinely seems right to you, and
   • for a proper purpose – striving always to achieve Wanaruah LALC’s objects and its goals in accordance with the ALRA and with law generally.

• Fairness and impartiality

You must always act fairly and impartially – you must not engage in favouritism or act with bias. This especially applies to decisions and operations concerning benefits or services for LALC members and other Aboriginal people in the LALC’s area.

• Respect for others
  • You must always act with respect for others.
  • Your interactions with others – including Board members, staff, members and community members – must always be respectful, civil and professional, to help foster:
    • a well-run LALC that members and other community members are pleased to be involved with,
    • a positive image of the LALC amongst its members, its community and within the wider community, and
    • a healthy and safe workplace.
  • Integrity
    • You must never allow any private or external interest or obligation to improperly influence your decision making or the exercise of your authority.
    • You must not improperly use your office or position to gain a personal advantage or benefit for yourself or another person or organisation, or to cause detriment to Wanaruah LALC.
    • You must not improperly use information that you have access to because of your office or position to improperly gain a personal advantage or benefit for yourself or another person or organisation, or to cause detriment to Wanaruah LALC.
    • You must not seek to influence other Board members or staff in order to gain a personal advantage or benefit for yourself or another person or organisation, or to cause detriment to Wanaruah LALC.

5. Conflicts of interests, duties of disclosure and personal benefit
   • Avoiding and managing conflicts of interests
     • You must take reasonable steps to avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest from arising in relation to the performance of your duties.
     • When conflicts of interest arise, you must take all reasonable steps to disclose and manage them, to ensure they are visible and do not improperly influence, or appear to improperly influence, the performance of your duties.
     • Without limiting paragraph (2), you must disclose pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in accordance with this Code of Conduct and the ALRA.
   • Disclosure of pecuniary interests
     • You must comply strictly with your duties of disclosure in relation to pecuniary interests set out in the ALRA (ALRA disclosure provisions) (see Part 10, Division 3, Subdivision 2 of the ALRA).
     • In complying with the ALRA disclosure provisions, you must assume that any reference to “a meeting of the Council” includes a meeting of Wanaruah LALC’s Board and a meeting of any sub-committee of the Board. That means that you must comply with s 185 of the ALRA not only at member meetings, but also at Board meetings and any sub-committee meetings.
     • In addition:
       • if you are the Chief Executive Officer, you must disclose, in writing to the Board, the nature of any pecuniary interest you have in a matter you are dealing with as soon as practicable.
       • if you are a member of staff other than the Chief Executive Officer, you must disclose, in writing to the Chief Executive Officer, the nature of any pecuniary interest you have in a matter you are dealing with as soon as practicable.
     • Disclosure of non-pecuniary interests
       • You must also disclose any non-pecuniary interest in relation to any matter being discussed at a Wanaruah LALC meeting, as if it was a pecuniary interest and as if the ALRA disclosure provisions, and provision 2 of this Code of Conduct, applied. This means you must disclose non-pecuniary interests as if they were pecuniary interests.
       • If you are required by paragraph (1) to disclose a non-pecuniary interest at a meeting, you must also leave the meeting and remain out of sight of the meeting unless the Board decides the disclosed interest is not significant.
       • A non-pecuniary interest is to be regarded as “significant” if it involves:
         • a family relationship that is particularly close (e.g. a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, child or grandchild of you or of your spouse, your current or former spouse or partner, de facto or other person living in the same household),
         • another relationship that is particularly close (e.g. a friend or business associate), or
         • an affiliation between you and an organisation, sporting body, club, political party, corporation or association that is particularly strong,

and if it could appear to a reasonable observer that the non-pecuniary interest could improperly influence your participation in decision making about the matter.

• Gifts and benefits
  • You must not:
    • seek or accept a bribe or other improper inducement,
    • seek gifts or benefits of any kind in connection with the performance of your duties, or
    • accept any gift or benefit that may create a sense of obligation on your part or may be perceived to be intended or likely to influence you in carrying out your duties, including any gift or benefit.
  • Without limiting paragraph (1)(c) above, a gift or benefit will be taken to be one that may create a sense of obligation on your part or may be perceived to be intended or likely to influence you, if it:
    • is for more than nominal value, or
    • consists of cash or a cash-like gift (gift vouchers, credit cards, debit cards with credit on them, prepayments such as phone or internal credit, memberships or entitlements to discounts), regardless of the amount.
  • If you receive a gift or benefit of a kind referred to in paragraph (1), you must:
    • if you are a Board member – disclose the gift to the next Board meeting,
    • if you are the Chief Executive Officer or a Board member – disclose it to the next Board meeting, or
    • if you are a staff member other than the Chief Executive Officer – disclose it to the Chief Executive Officer as soon as practicable.

In each case, the gift or benefit must be surrendered to Wanaruah LALC and then returned, unless the nature of the gift or benefit makes either surrender or return impractical.

• Other business or employment – staff members
  • If you are a staff member considering outside employment or contract work that relates to the business of Wanaruah LALC or that might conflict with your duties to the LALC, you must notify and seek the approval of the Chief Executive Officer in writing. If you are the Chief Executive Officer, you must notify and seek the written approval of the Board.
  • As a staff member, you must ensure that any outside employment or business you engage in will not:
    • conflict with your duties to Wanaruah LALC,
    • involve using information or resources obtained through your work with the LALC,
    • require you to work while on duty for the LALC, or
    • discredit or disadvantage the LALC.
  • Personal dealings with Wanaruah LALC

It is possible you will have reason to deal with Wanaruah LALC in your personal capacity (e.g. as a tenant in one of the LALC’s houses). You must not expect or request preferential treatment in relation to any matter. You must avoid any action that could lead members or members of the community to believe that you are seeking or receiving preferential treatment.

6. Other specific duties and standards
   • Grievances

There are proper ways to raise and deal with any concerns or grievances you might have about Board members, staff or members. You must not make personal attacks on Board members, staff or members or otherwise act in an offensive or inflammatory way towards Board members, staff or members. This applies to direct interactions, to LALC meetings (including any Board meeting or sub-committee meeting), to any other community or public forums, and also to Facebook, Twitter or other social media

• Harassment and discrimination
  • You must never harass, discriminate against others, or encourage or support others who harass and discriminate against others. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment and discrimination on the grounds of sex, pregnancy, age, race, religion, marital status, disability, homosexuality or transgender grounds.
  • In this Code of Conduct, “harassment” means any form of behavior towards a person that:
    • is not wanted by the person,
    • offends, humiliates or intimidates the person, and
    • creates a hostile environment.
  • Bullying
    • You must not engage in bullying behavior towards others.
    • In this Code of Conduct, “bullying behavior” means any verbal, physical or social behavior:
      • in which a person or a group of people repeatedly acts in an intimidating or hurtful way towards another person or a group of people, and
      • which causes physical, social or psychological harm.
    • Board member interactions with staff and consultants
      • If you are a Board member, you must respect the division of roles and responsibilities between the Board and the Chief Executive Officer in relation to the direction of staff and engagement of consultants. While the Board directs and controls the affairs of the LALC generally, staff and consultants are under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. You must not:
        • try to direct staff or consultants (other than by a resolution of the Board giving an appropriate direction to the Chief Executive Officer),
        • try to influence staff or consultants, including by things said at a LALC meeting or other forum.
      • Further, while the Chief Executive Officer is subject to the control and direction of the Board, it is not appropriate for individual Board members to try and direct the Chief Executive Officer. As with other functions of the Board, this function may only be exercised by Board resolution.
    • Board members’ attendance at meetings
      • If you are a Board member, you must make a reasonable effort to properly prepare for, attend, and participate constructively in all Board meetings and any sub-committee meetings you may be required to participate in.
      • A reasonably attentive and careful Board member will:
        • take the time needed to gain a reasonable level of knowledge and understanding about the LALC’s objects and functions, its operations and priorities (as set out in its Community, Land and Business plan) and its overall financial position,
        • make an effort to attend all Board meetings (as well members meetings and any relevant Committee meetings),
        • make an effort to prepare for meetings (e.g. by reading papers that may be provided in advance) so that at the meetings he or she will be ready and able to engage,
        • pay attention at meetings and do his or her best to understand the matters being discussed, and
        • apply his or her knowledge and understanding about Wanaruah LALC’s objects and functions, operations and priorities to those matters.
      • If you are unable to attend a meeting you must request leave of absence from the Board, identifying:
        • the meeting you wish to be excused from, and
        • the grounds on which you wish to be excused.

You should note that if you are absent from 2 consecutive meetings of the Board of which reasonable notice has been given, except on leave from the Board or unless you are excused by the Board for having been absent, your office may be vacated by operation of section 67 of the ALRA.

• Behavior at LALC meetings

When at LALC meetings (including Wanaruah LALC members’ meetings, Board meetings and sub-committee meetings), you must observe and comply with Appendix 1 – Code of meeting behavior.

• Misuse of information at members’ meetings

When at a LALC members’ meeting, you must take care not to misuse information that you have because of your office or position.

• Use of LALC resources
  • Wanaruah LALC resources (including its property, vehicles and also its name, letterhead and logo) are to be used only for the purposes of Wanaruah LALC business. You must not use them for private purposes unless this use is lawfully authorised.
  • You must avoid any action or situation that could create an appearance that Wanaruah LALC resources are being improperly used for your benefit or the benefit of any other person or body.
• Use of information generally
  • Information that you have access to as a result of your office or position must not be abused. You must only access Wanaruah LALC information that you need to perform your duties. You must use LALC information only as needed to perform your duties. You must not use LALC information for your own purposes.
  • You must not destroy, alter, or dispose of LALC information or records, unless authorised to do so.

Confidential information

• You must take special care with confidential information. This includes:
  • Board papers and your knowledge of things said during Board meetings, and
  • any other information or document that by its nature is confidential and that you know or ought to know is confidential.
• You must:
  • protect confidential information, and
  • not release or disclose confidential information unless you are authorised to do so.

Personal information

• You must also take special care with any personal information of others that you have access to because of your office or position.
• You must assume that such personal information is protected by privacy law and that you must comply with privacy law, including the Australian Privacy Principles.

• Unauthorized public comment
  • Unless you are the Chairperson or the Chief Executive Officer acting within the scope of your authority, or you have been specifically authorised to do so by the Board, you may not make any public statement, including to any newspaper, radio or TV station, or in a post on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media service:
    • on behalf of Wanaruah LALC or that others may reasonable understand is made on behalf of the LALC,
    • about the LALC or its affairs, or
    • about LALC Board members, staff or members.
  • You especially must not make any such public statement about Wanaruah LALC or its affairs or about Board members, staff or members:
    • that you intend will, or that is likely to, damage Wanaruah LALC’s interests, or
    • that you intend will, or that is likely to, lower the reputation or standing of the LALC or Aboriginal Land Councils generally.
  • Reporting wrongdoing

Nothing in this Code of Conduct should discourage you from reporting or complaining about wrongdoing within the LALC. However, you must do this responsibly and to an appropriate person.

7. Dismissal from office – Board members
   • Dismissal provision
     • If:
       • you are a Board member, and
       • the Registrar has previously found you guilty of misconduct as a Board member and taken disciplinary action against you under Part 10, Division 4 of the ALRA,

you must not commit any further act of misconduct that results in the Registrar taking disciplinary action against you.

• If, contrary to paragraph (1), you do commit a further act of misconduct and the Registrar takes disciplinary action against you for it, you may be removed from office by the LALC’s members pursuant to sections 178 and 182 of the ALRA.

 

 

Code of Conduct for members

1. Introduction
   • What is the purpose of this Code of Conduct?

This is the Code of Conduct for Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council (Wanaruah LALC) members referred to in section 177(1)(b) of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA).

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to clearly set out for each member – whether they be a voting or non-voting member – the standards of conduct that are expected of them.

By observing the standards set out in this Code of Conduct, members can help enhance the governance of Wanaruah LALC and support the greater involvement of the Wanaruah LALC community in the LALC.

Failure to observe the standards in this Code of Conduct could have a serious impact on Wanaruah LALC. For that reason, breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken against member concerned.

• Relationship to the ALRA and other laws

This Code of Conduct does not alter or take away from duties and obligations imposed on members by the ALRA or by any other law.

This Code of Conduct is a stand-alone source of standards and rules. It has been developed and adopted by Wanaruah LALC to apply only to Wanaruah LALC members.

• Reading and understanding this Code of Conduct

The spirit as well as the word

This Code of Conduct is intended to clearly set out rules and standards that Wanaruah LALC members are expected to observe. Wanaruah LALC members are expected to uphold the spirit as well as the word of this Code of Conduct.

Importance of Wanaruah LALC’s Core Values

Wanaruah LALC’s values are set out below in Part 2 of this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct should be read in the light of these values, and it should be understood and applied in a way that reflects and supports these values.

Importance of the ALRA and law

This Code of Conduct is meant to be entirely consistent with the ALRA and with law generally.

This Code of Conduct should be read in the light of the ALRA and law generally, and it should be understood and applied only in a way that is consistent with the ALRA and with law generally.

The use of “you”

To make reading and understanding this Code of Conduct easier, throughout the Code – apart from this Part 1 “Introduction” – the word “you” is used to mean the Wanaruah LALC member reading the Code.

• Enforcing this Code of Conduct

All Wanaruah LALC members need to be familiar with this Code of Conduct and the standards and rules in it.

If the conduct of an Wanaruah LALC member should become an issue, Wanaruah LALC can take action to enforce this Code of Conduct.

This action could take a number of forms, depending on a range of factors. Some breaches may be best dealt with by discussion in an informal meeting or in mediation. For others, Wanaruah LALC may consider that suspension under section 57 of the ALRA is necessary.  

2. Wanaruah LALC’s values

Custodianship of Country

• We recognise Country as living and sacred.
• We are responsible for protecting land, waters, cultural sites and heritage for current and future generations.

In practice this means:

• Avoiding harm to cultural heritage.
• Prioritising environmental sustainability.
• Making land decisions based on long-term impact, not short-term gain.

 Cultural Authority and Respect

We honour Elders, knowledge holders and traditional governance structures.
Cultural protocols guide our decision-making.

In practice this means:

• Respecting cultural knowledge and intellectual property.
• Ensuring cultural voices are central in heritage and land decisions.
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Integrity and Accountability

We act with honesty, transparency and responsibility.
We are accountable to our members, community and statutory obligations.

In practice this means:

• Declaring conflicts of interest.
• Managing funds responsibly.
• Making decisions in the best interests of the community, not individuals.

Community First

The wellbeing of our members and community is at the centre of all decisions.

In practice this means:

• Considering social impacts of development.
• Supporting vulnerable members.
• Ensuring fair and inclusive engagement.

Respect and Unity

We treat each other with dignity, even during disagreement.
We work to strengthen unity and reduce division.

In practice this means:

• Zero tolerance for bullying and harassment.
• Constructive conflict resolution.
• Encouraging respectful debate in meetings.

 Self-Determination

We assert our right to make decisions about our land, culture and future.

In practice this means:

• Leading negotiations with external proponents.
• Ensuring free, prior and informed consent.
• Building economic independence through strategic land management.

 

 

 

Sustainability and Future Generations

Our decisions today must not compromise future generations.

In practice this means:

• Responsible development.
• Investing in youth pathways.
• Long-term strategic planning.

Professionalism

We operate to high governance and operational standards.

In practice this means:

• Strong policies and compliance.
• Ongoing training.
• Consistent application of procedures.
• Open and transparency regarding decision making

Courage and Leadership

We make difficult decisions when required to protect community and Country.

In practice this means:

• Addressing misconduct.
• Standing firm in negotiations.
• Acting early to prevent harm.

3. General duties and Standards
   • Conduct generally
     • You must always abide by the ALRA, the Aboriginal Land Rights Regulation 2020 and law generally.
     • You must also abide by Wanaruah LALC’s Zero Tolerance Policy and this Code of Conduct.
     • You must not act in a manner detrimental to or likely to be detrimental to Wanaruah LALC’s interests, or those of its members.
     • You must not act in a manner that is likely to bring Wanaruah LALC or Aboriginal Land Councils generally into disrepute.
   • Honesty and integrity
     • In all your dealings with Wanaruah LALC, including any dealings with the LALC as someone receiving a community benefit, you must always act honestly and in good faith.
     • You must not engage in any conduct intended to adversely affect, or that is likely to adversely affect, the honest or proper exercise of any official functions by Wanaruah LALC, its Board or its staff. This includes, but is not limited to, offering or receiving bribes or inducements and making threats.
   • Conflicts of interests
     • You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that your decision making at meetings is not improperly influenced by and is not perceived to have been improperly influenced by any conflict of interests.
     • If you have a pecuniary interest in any matter being considered at a meeting, you must disclose the existence and nature of the interest to the meeting. This is especially important at meetings where decisions about proposed land dealings are made. Any such disclosure should be recorded in the minutes.
     • Further, unless the other members determine otherwise, you must not be present at, or in sight of, such meeting:
       • at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed, or
       • at any time during which the members are voting on any question in relation to the matter.
     • In this Code of Conduct, “pecuniary interest” has the same meaning as in section 184 of the ALRA.
   • Respect for others
     • In all your interactions and communications with staff, Board members and members, you must act with respect and civility; this includes community meetings and events that Wanaruah LALC staff and Board members attend representing the LALC
     • There are proper ways to raise and deal with any concerns or grievances you might have about staff, Board members or members. You must not, in connection with Wanaruah LALC affairs, make personal attacks on staff, Board members or other members or otherwise act in an offensive or inflammatory way towards staff, Board members or other members. This applies to direct interactions, to meetings (including any Board meeting or sub-committee meeting you may be present at), to any other community or public forums, and to Facebook, Twitter or other social media postings and to other communications.
   • Behavior at LALC meetings

When at Wanaruah LALC meetings (including any Board meeting or sub-committee meeting you may be present at) you must observe and comply with the Code of Meeting Behavior which is set out in Appendix 1.

• Confidential and personal information

Sometimes you might be given access to confidential or personal information or documents at an Wanaruah LALC meeting or in connection with LALC decision making. You must not use such information or documents for any purpose other than LALC business. You must not share such information or documents with people they were not intended for. 

• Falsely representing the LALC
  • All member’s views and contributions are important. But unless you are properly authorised, you do not represent Wanaruah LALC and have no authority to bind Wanaruah LALC, and you must not hold yourself out as being a representative or having authority.
  • Without limiting (1), unless you have been properly authorised to do so, you must not make any public statement (which includes a statement to a newspaper, to a radio or TV station, or in a Facebook, Twitter or other social media post) on behalf of the LALC or that others may reasonable understand is made on behalf of the LALC.
• Damaging public comment

There are proper ways to raise and deal with any concerns or complaints that you might have about Wanaruah LALC. You must not engage in public comment about the LALC (including any comment to a newspaper, to a radio or TV station, or in a Facebook, Twitter or other social media post):

• that you know or ought to know is untrue, or
• that you intend will, or that is likely to, damage Wanaruah LALC’s interests, or
• that you intend will, or that is likely to, lower the reputation or standing of Wanaruah LALC or Aboriginal Land Councils generally.

• Reporting wrongdoing

Nothing in this Code of Conduct should discourage you from reporting or complaining about wrongdoing within the LALC. However, you must do this responsibly and to an appropriate person.

 

 

Appendix 1 – Code of meeting behavior

1. Introduction
   • Meetings and collective decision making have an important place in Land Rights and the life of Wanaruah LALC. It is essential for the proper governance of Wanaruah LALC that its meetings are inclusive, participatory, orderly and effective forums for issues to be discussed, opinions to be voiced and decisions to be made.
   • For these reasons, it is important that all Wanaruah LALC members, Board members and staff members attending an Wanaruah LALC members meeting, Board meeting or sub-committee meeting, observe high standards of conduct and orderliness.
   • In this code of meeting behavior:

“meeting” means any meeting of Wanaruah LALC’s members, its Board and of any sub-committee, and

“you” applies to any Wanaruah LALC member, Board member or staff member.

2. Behavior at meetings
   • At all meetings you must:
     • respect and follow the directions of the Chairperson,
     • speak in your turn, as permitted by the Chairperson, and not over the top of other people,
     • listen to what others are saying, and
     • address others and their points of view respectfully and without any disparagement.
   • You must not at a meeting:
     • be argumentative, inflammatory, or abusive,
     • be disruptive or disorderly, and
     • deliberately seek to impede the consideration of the business of a meeting.
   • Without limiting any of the general standards of behaviour set out in paragraph (1), you must not at a meeting:
     • assault or threaten to assault another person present at the meeting,
     • move or attempt to move a motion or an amendment that has an unlawful purpose or that deals with a matter that you know or ought to know is beyond the power of Wanaruah LALC or the Board, or address or attempt to address Wanaruah LALC or the Board on such a motion,
     • leave a meeting in order to deprive the meeting of a quorum,
     • insult or makes personal comments about or impute an improper motive to a Board member, staff member or member, or
     • act in a manner that is likely to bring Wanaruah LALC or the Board into disrepute or contempt.
   • You must not make an unauthorised recording (this includes but not limited too videoing) of any kind of a meeting.

 

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if legislative or operational changes require.

 

Re Approved by: Wanaruah Aboriginal Land Council Members

Effective Date: 20^th January 2025