Council’s code of conduct reviewed

After a year that included alleged gay slurs and a lewd Facebook message, the rules for Hamilton councillors’ behaviour have been reviewed.

The rejig comes partway through a term which has also featured cracks about fat people and sexist jibes.

Changes mean that the average person can’t make a code of conduct complaint, but also that independent investigators will look into alleged breaches.

Certain breaches will still come back to council for a determination.

Previously, councillors were judged by a committee of their peers – ‘‘a job I want to lose with a passion,’’ Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher said during discussion.

Councillor Garry Mallett wanted to know if the same rules applied down at the footy club when his team had suffered a loss.

‘‘You’re always on duty,’’ Mayor Andrew King said.

‘‘As an elected official, there are certain standards of behaviour required and expected of you at all times,’’ governance manager LeeAnn Jordan said.

Cr Paula Southgate asked what people outside council would do if they wanted to make a complaint.

They would have to go to the chief executive or a councillor, who could adopt the complaint, Jordan said. Southgate also urged kindness and respect in the chamber – and Mayor Andrew King added forgiveness to the list.

He thanked Gallagher and councillors Siggi Henry and Leo Tooman for taking the complaints committee job this term.

A staff report said investigators charge $150 to $350 an hour.

King reminded councillors of that and said figures on the costs would be made available.

Cr Angela O’Leary saw the new code as a chance to wipe the slate clean.

Councillors voted 11-1 to approve the new code of conduct.

Cr Macpherson voted against it, and Cr James Casson was absent.