As the City of Casey’s councillor group passes its six-month mark, it also looks to push forward with endorsing an updated Good Governance Framework, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and decision-making process across the council.
The adoption of the framework would reflect recommendations from the Shape Your City 2024 community consultation period, and also incorporates governance reforms in the wake of IBAC’s Operation Sandon, which had scrutinised decision-making in Casey throughout the years.
According to the most recent council agenda report, more than 4000 residents contributed to the governance section of the Shape Your City engagement, with transparency, ethical leadership, and public communication emerging as top community priorities.
Key changes flagged in the framework include stronger protocols around councillor-staff interactions, more accessible public reporting on decision-making, monitoring of personal interest disclosures, and a new emphasis on internal training and cultural leadership across all departments.
Furthermore, there is also an outline for clearer systems on community engagement, including consultation platforms like Casey Conversations.
Council officers detailed on the agenda that the goal is to embed good governance in everyday operations, not just through compliance but through fostering a culture of ethical conduct and responsiveness to the community.
If this is endorsed during the July council meeting, then the updated framework will guide the council’s operations through to 2029, but will also come with regular reviews to ensure legislative adherence and best practice amongst the whole council group.
