Considerations of secondary employment for council officers

By, Jodie Jenings, Senior Consultant/Senior Workforce Advisor, Legal and Workforce

Secondary Employment 

In the realm of Local Government, public officials or commonly termed ‘local government officers’ often wear multiple hats, juggling their responsibilities to serve the community while also sustaining their livelihoods through secondary employment or volunteer work within their community. 

Whilst engaging in secondary employment is not inherently unethical, it can present significant challenges when it comes to conflicts of interest. Balancing the demands of public service with external engagements requires an understanding of ethical obligations and transparent communication. 

Understanding Secondary Employment 

Secondary employment refers to any work or volunteer work undertaken by a local government officer outside of their primary role in Local Government. This could include consulting, teaching, freelance work, being a committee member or holding positions in private companies. Engaging in secondary employment can offer valuable expertise, diverse perspectives, and additional income for local government officers. It can also foster connections between the public and private sectors, potentially benefiting both. 

However, secondary employment can also pose risks, particularly when it intersects with the official duties and responsibilities of the local government officer and council. 

Examples of risks can include public perception, misuse of public resources, time management, competing commitments, intellectual property, confidentiality, conflict of interest, performance issues and health and safety concerns. 

Council is responsible for mitigating risks and can achieve this through transparency, established boundaries, managing time, adhering to ethical standards and employee responsibilities. 

If you have any questions about secondary employment in Local Government or any other matter, please don’t hesitate to contact the Peak Services Legal team on 07 3000 2148 or at peaklegal@wearepeak.com.au.