After section 28J of the Principal Act , the following Division is inserted in Part 3:

Division 3AA - Dispute resolution procedures

28JA.     Dispute resolution policies

(1)  A council must adopt a dispute resolution policy.

(2)  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.

(3)  A dispute resolution policy is to –

(a) contain the prescribed information; and

(b) include the processes to be followed in respect of prescribed matters.

(4)  The general manager of a council must ensure that a copy of the council’s dispute resolution policy is available –

(a) on the website of the council; and

(b) on the request of a person.

(5)  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:

(a) the general manager of the council;

(b) a councillor of the council;

(c) a council employee of the council;

(d) if the complainant participates in the dispute resolution process of the council, the complainant.

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