Shellharbour City Council is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently and in the public interest. This Statement outlines the standards of behaviour expected of Councillors, Council officers, and all parties who do business with Shellharbour City Council, and supports our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect.

Our commitment

Council expects Councillors and Council officers to:

  • Use public resources efficiently and responsibly and act in the best interests of the community.
  • Comply with all relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures, and the adopted Code of Conduct.
  • Act with integrity, impartiality and fairness, ensuring equal access to information for all suppliers.
  • Promote fair and open competition while seeking best value for money.
  • Protect confidential and commercially sensitive information.
  • Identify and appropriately disclose and manage conflicts of interest and related party transactions. Meet public interest standards of probity, transparency and accountability.
  • Invite tenders or quotations   only if Council has a genuine intention to procure.
  • Never solicit or accept remuneration, gifts or other benefits connected with the discharge of official duties.
  • Not be involved in activities such as performing work with or for suppliers or consultants or contractors
  • Respond promptly to reasonable requests for advice and information.

 

What we ask of you

Council expects suppliers, consultants, contractors and other external parties to:

  • Act ethically, honestly and lawfully in all dealings with Council
  • Deliver a quality product or service on time that gives us value for money
  • Respect the integrity of Council’s procurement processes and comply with Council’s Procurement Policy, tender conditions, and other related documents. 
  • At all times, treat Councillors, Council officers and members of the public with courtesy, respect and professionalism and act in a manner that does not bring Council into disrepute
  • Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose as soon as you become aware of the conflict.
  • Not offer gifts, benefits or other inducements to Councillors or Council officers.
  • Respect the obligation of Councillors and Council officers to comply with Council policies, including the adopted Code of Conduct.
  • Comply with all relevant laws, contractual obligations and work health and safety requirements.
  • Not lobby or approach elected Councillors in relation to procurement (tenders and quotes) or contract management issues.
  • Act in an environmentally responsible manner, comply with environmental laws and adopt sustainable practices.
  • Protect confidential information obtained through dealings with Council, and do not discuss Council business or information with the media.
  • Take reasonable steps to ensure goods and services are not the product of modern slavery.
  • Support Council’s core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Sustainability.

 

Compliance

Where services are provided on behalf of Council, the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) applies. Under the Act, you must be aware of the following:

  • All individuals involved are taken to be public officials for the purposes of the PID Act.
  • How to make a voluntary public interest disclosure
  • The terms of Council’s Public Interest Disclosures Policy
     

You must notify Council of any voluntary public interest disclosure that relates to Council or is made by a public official associated with Council, and report any serious wrongdoing committed or alleged to be committed by individuals providing services under this contract. You must use your best endeavours to:

  • Assist with any investigation of serious wrongdoing if requested
  • Ensure equivalent obligations apply to any subcontractors; 
  • And acknowledge that Council is required to take corrective action under the PID Act
     

Compliance to the principles and standards in this Statement enables all parties to pursue their objectives in a fair and ethical manner. Any non‑compliance with the PID Act or this Statement may be deemed as a breach of contract, which may result in termination of the contract and/or other appropriate action.

Reporting

To report any unethical behaviour in doing business with Council, please submit in writing to Council’s Public Officer via:
Email: council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au 
Post: 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre

Last updated : Wed 11 Mar 2026