14/06/2023

Council has developed two separate Child Safe Code of Conduct documents being the Child Safe Code of Conduct - Service Users and Community and the Child Safe Code of Conduct – Council Officials. Both are available for community feedback.

The development of the Child Safe Code of Conduct documents stemmed from the implementation of Council’s Child Protection Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed to support Councils legislative requirements under the Children’s Guardian Amendment (Child Safe Scheme) Act 2021.

Council recognises the rights of children and young people to feel safe when accessing Council services and is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all children and young people in our local community. The Codes will help in managing risks to child safety that may arise through adult interactions.

The Child Safe Code of Conduct - Council officials, outlines child-related conduct requirements for all staff and Council officials.

The Child Safe Code of Conduct - Service Users and Community provides general conduct requirements of those accessing a Council facility or service. It has been designed in accordance with Council’s existing child safe collateral and will be displayed in all community-facing locations. This Code directs community members to the Child Protection Hotline and NSW Police for reporting any child protection concerns.

The purpose of both Codes is to establish clear rules and expectations for behaviour that is in line with Council’s culture, values and child safe commitment.

Mayor Nick Katris said, “Council is committed to the safety and well-being of children and young people in the Georges River area. It is great that these codes are now ready for community input as it is our duty to make sure our Council is a safe place for all our young community members.”

The Draft Child Safe Code of Conduct is now on Public Exhibition until 4 July 2023.

To give feedback, visit Council's Your Say page.