They had made members scared that their conduct in dealing with stakeholders, including developers, would be seen as “corrupt”, even if it was entirely appropriate, he told a parliamentary committee this morning.

“The present codes of conduct … have had the effect of stultifying local government.

“I’d like to see those codes of conduct redrawn so that (local governments) can get on with their jobs.”

Lander said he had asked Local Government Minister Geoff Brock to consider a rewrite of the codes.

However, he said he would like to see a code of conduct introduced for members of State Parliament, with South Australia the only state in which MPs were not bound by a code of conduct.

He said the form of that code should be debated, decided upon and enforced by parliament.

Lander acknowledged that MPs were accountable to a privileges committee, and to the parliament for their conduct, but insisted a code would be in the public interest.

He also suggested during this morning’s meeting that his office should have some power to oversee lobbyists, who he said had “a significant effect on government at every level”.

“We’ve got to be careful that lobbyists don’t contaminate government decisions,” said Lander. “I should have some jurisdiction (regarding lobbyists).”