Local Government Act 1993

A council must adopt a dispute resolution policy.

A dispute resolution policy adopted by a council under subsection (1) is to specify the processes to be followed if there is a dispute as to matters that may be the subject of a code of conduct complaint.

A dispute resolution policy is to – contain the prescribed information; and include the processes to be followed in respect of prescribed matters.

The general manager of a council must ensure that a copy of the council’s dispute resolution policy is available – on the website of the council; and on the request of a person.

In resolving, or attempting to resolve, disputes in respect of a council, each of the following persons involved in the dispute resolution is to comply with the provisions of the dispute resolution policy adopted by the council under this section:the general manager of the council; a councillor of the council; a council employee of the council; if the complainant participates in the dispute resolution process of the council, the complainant.

Each council must adopt a dispute resolution policy under this section within 12 months after this section commences.