CAMPASPE councillors have agreed to avoid criticism of council decisions, as part of a memorandum of understanding setting out a code of conduct.
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Councillors, the re-elected mayor and chief exeutive signed memorandums of understanding at Campaspe Shire Council's meeting on Tuesday night.
It was the first time elected councillors have put their names to such a document. The shire's mayors and chief executives have signed a memorandum of understanding since the start of the current council's term.
Councillors committed to undertaking their role with "good will" and "consideration of others". Values include respect, customer focus, continuous improvement, teamwork and accountability. Within these values specifics of expected conduct is set out.
The mayor and chief executive's memorandum describes their relative roles and responsibilities.
The statement: "I will not publicly criticise Council decisions even if I don't support them", is among those councillors signed to.
Mayor Adrian Weston said this meant councillors should not criticise a council decision once it had been made, but not that they must modify their personal views.
He said during the course of council debate during public meetings councillors were free to voice their views on behalf of the community, provided these were voiced respectfully.
"At council meetings each councillor is entitled and invited to articulate their view about a decision that they're being asked to make," Cr Weston said.
"When the council has decided on a matter, while a councillor might not have voted in favour of it ... then it's an expectation that they don't proactively criticise a decision of council."
Cr Weston said the memorandum of understanding between mayor and council chief executive was put in place to recognise the importance of that relationship, but did not carry formal standing.
He said the councillor memorandum of understanding was developed later, as part of the shire's program of continuous improvement.
Cr Weston said it was important councillors worked together for the benefit of the community.
"It's just an affirmation that we've all signed onto, that we agree to all work well together, and focus on delivering the best that we possibly can for our community," Cr Weston said.
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