We’re committed to fairness, equity and respect in all aspects of our actions and decision-making.
Our ethics framework explains the principles that guide how we operate and the activities, partnerships and initiatives we support.
Why we have an ethics framework
We established this framework to help ensure our decisions align with community expectations, human rights and environmental responsibility.
The framework applies across our programs, partnerships, funding decisions and strategic activities. It complements more specific governance documents, including our statement of business ethics for suppliers, which sets out ethical expectations for organisations that do business with us.
What we don’t support
Our programs and activities don’t support initiatives or entities that unnecessarily:
- allow the exploitation, misrepresentation or misappropriation of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property or cultural identity
- pollute land, air or water or derive their principal source of revenue from the extraction or sale of coal, oil or gas
- destroy or waste non-renewable resources
- market, promote or advertise products or services in a misleading or deceitful manner
- produce, promote or distribute products or services likely to be harmful to the community
- acquire land or commodities primarily for speculative gain
- create, encourage, or perpetuate militarism or engage in the manufacture of armaments
- encourage gambling or entice people into financial over-commitment
- exploit people through the payment of below-award wages or poor working conditions
- unlawfully discriminate, or encourage unlawful discriminatory behaviour, including discrimination based on ability, culture, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation in employment, marketing or advertising practices or contribute to the inhibition of human rights generally
- sell or promote prohibited items or services on City of Sydney land, such as fur and exotic animal skin products and feathers, other than where permitted under traditional First Nations cultural practices
- promote pornography
- support the production or sale of tobacco.
How the framework is used
The ethics framework informs how we:
- assess funding and partnership proposals
- develop and implement programs and initiatives
- make strategic and policy decisions
- consider reputational, social and environmental impacts.
This framework supports consistent, transparent decision-making that reflects our values and responsibilities as a local government authority.
Related policies and statements
This framework should be read alongside our other governance and ethics documents, including:
