Have your say on our Draft Governance Policies

Cumberland City Council is giving notification of the Draft Governance Policies. 

The Policies will be exhibited for a minimum period of 28 days as resolved at the 26 March 2025 Council meeting.

All submissions made to these three policies will be made public and considered by Council.

Policy overview

There are three policies on exhibition.

Procurement Policy

The Local Government Act 1993 (Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (Regulation) provide the legislative framework for Council to procure goods and services. The Act requires Council to invite tenders for a contract with expenditure equal to or in excess of the tender threshold while the accompanying Regulation sets out the procedural requirements for the tender, including choice of tendering methods.

 Arising out of a recommendation of Internal Audit, a new Procurement Policy has been created to set out the strategic direction Council will take to deliver procurement outcomes ensuring the following:

• Best value for money
• Meeting the community needs
• Transparency and probity
• Economic, social and environmental sustainability
• Adherence to legislative requirements
• Effective risk management

The policy provides the guiding principles that underpin the framework for the procurement of goods and services to ensure Council obtains best value for money whilst achieving legislative compliance, transparency, and probity objectives.

Statement of Business Ethics

The Statement of Business Ethics outlines the ethical standards of behaviour expected from Council and service providers/service partners when engaging in business activities. It is applicable to all Council Officials, Council run businesses and organisations as well as to any other parties conducting business with, or wishing to conduct business with, Council.

This statement forms part of Council’s governance framework and reinforces Council’s Code of Conduct. The mechanisms in this Statement and the Code of Conduct aim to be consistent with Council’s obligations under the Local Government Act 1993 and related legislation. In addition, this Statement and the Code of Conduct protect Council’s financial position, integrity, and reputation as well as ensuring that decision making is ethical, fair and transparent.

This currently adopted statement has been reviewed to incorporate best practice principles in ethical governance, transparency, and accountability, in alignment with guidance from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Fraud and Corruption Control Policy

The attached draft Fraud and Corruption Control Policy outlines how Council will prevent, detect, and respond to fraudulent and corrupt conduct, emphasising Council’s zero tolerance for such conduct.

The Policy also details the roles and responsibilities required across Council to ensure robust fraud and corruption management. This Policy applies to all Council Officials, (Council Officers, Councillors, Council committee members, delegates of Council), service providers/services partners and volunteers who perform functions on behalf of Council.

The Policy sets out a four-pronged approach to Fraud and Corruption management which is outlined below:

1. Prevention: Council implements appropriate prevention strategies to minimise the risk of Fraud and Corruption.
2. Detection: Council establishes systems of internal control, commissions internal and external audits, implements continuous monitoring, and encourages reporting of any suspected or actual Fraud or Corruption by internal and external personnel, to identify and detect any fraudulent or corrupt conduct.
3. Response: Council implements the plan below to respond to any allegations of Fraud or Corruption:
   • a. Immediate response procedures are implemented to mitigate any loss to Council.
   • b. Internal and external assessment and investigation procedures are followed.
   • c. Disciplinary measures are taken as necessary.
   • d. Referrals to appropriate bodies.
4. Record keeping: Council complies with clear record keeping procedures.

Relevant links:

• Minutes from meeting 26 March 2025
• Business Paper for Council Meeting of 26 March 2025

Have Your Say

Council values the opinions and suggestions of the community, and would appreciate your input on the Draft Governance Policies.

We encourage you to download a copy of the policies for review from our document library.

The consultation period runs from Wednesday 2 April 2025 to Sunday 4 May 2025. During this community consultation period, residents are encouraged to submit their comments on the proposal. Anyone who wishes to provide feedback on the proposal must do so in writing by 5pm Sunday 4 May 2025.  

How To Give Feedback

Submissions concerning the Draft Governance Policies are to be made by 5pm Sunday 4 May 2025.

There are three ways you can lodge a submission:

1. Complete an online submission below.
2. Email your submission to Council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
3. Post your submission to The General Manager, Cumberland City Council, PO Box 42, Merrylands NSW 2160.