Sydney councils consider a civics‑courtesy code to keep good‑hearted politicians from fleeing the scene

A solitary lamppost outside Parramatta Council chambers was found propping a placard that read “Scrutiny, not intimidation” – a subtle reminder that even the city’s streetlights are tired of watching would‑be councillors bolt at the first hint of a hard question.

Council officials, after a particularly long queue at the local library’s public‑comment box, decided that the current political climate was resembling a perpetual line at a bakery: everyone waiting, no one willing to step forward because they feared the sting of a sudden, unexpected “your turn” call.

In response, a draft ‘civics‑courtesy code’ has been circulated among the wards, promising that any request for accountability will be delivered with the same politeness as a neighbour offering to mow your lawn when you’re on holiday.

The code, still in the consultation stage, suggests that scrutiny should be framed as constructive feedback rather than an intimidation tactic, much like a council‑run workshop on how to properly line‑up your recycling bins.

If adopted, the code would require all public meetings to include a “safety net” – a brief moment where attendees can ask tough questions without the room feeling like a courtroom drama starring a nervous rookie.

Critics argue that the proposal could water down genuine oversight, but supporters counter that a gentle approach may actually encourage more good‑natured citizens to step into the political arena, much like a well‑timed coffee break can coax the shyest of office workers into conversation.

The draft also humorously recommends that any councillor feeling threatened should be offered a complimentary cup of tea and a seat on the queue for the next council lunch, ensuring they have time to reflect before responding.

Whether the ‘civics‑courtesy code’ will survive the inevitable bureaucratic shuffle remains to be seen, but at least the lamppost has made its point clear: a little politeness might just keep the good people from packing their bags and heading for the suburbs.