Gifts and conflicts of interest

• Individuals who are, or seek to be, a council member are entrusted by their community to represent local views, make sound decisions, and utilise public funds effectively to deliver services and amenities for their community.
• A high standard of professional and ethical conduct is expected of council members, and of candidates in local government elections.
• It may be known that you are intending to be a candidate well before the period for formal nominations commences, and some individuals may seek to provide you with gifts. This may lead to a conflict between the interests of the community and your interests as an individual.
• You should also consider gifts in relation to perceived and potential conflicts of interest. While you may be confident of the integrity of your actions, it is important to reflect on how acceptance of gifts may appear to others, and/or how an action taken now could lead to a conflict of interest in future.

Important

• Both candidates and donors must disclose to the CEO of the local government information about any related gift with a value of $300 or more that was given or promised within 6 months prior to the election.
• A gift may include money, a non-monetary item of value, a contribution to travel, in-kind services, discounts, and a firm promise to give a gift at some future time.
• A gift from a relative or the time of someone who volunteers their time on your election campaign is not considered an electoral gift.
• You can obtain more information about gifts, and read Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997.