Registers

The Local Government Act 1999 requires that gifts and benefits received by Council Members be recorded on a register, which is to be made publicly available on Council’s website.

For the purposes of section 72A(2) of the Local Government Act 1999, the threshold amount governing when a gift or benefit must be registered is gazetted at $50 (notice appeared in the Government Gazette No. 79 on 17 November 2022).

Pursuant to Section 110 (1) of the Local Government Act 1999, the Code of Conduct for Employees became operational from 13 February 2014.

The Code requires that gifts and benefits received by employees be recorded on a gifts and benefits register and to publish this information at the end of each quarter.

The Code of Conduct for Employees specifies the following:

Gifts and benefits:

2.19 Council employees must not:

2.19.1 Seek gifts or benefits of any kind;

2.19.2 Accept any gift or benefit that may reasonably create a sense of obligation on their part or may be reasonably perceived to be intended to or would reasonably be likely to influence them in carrying out their public duty; and

2.19.3 Accept any gift or benefit from any person who is in, or who seeks to be in, any contractual relationship with the Council.

2.20 Notwithstanding Code 2.19.3, Council employees may accept hospitality provided in the context of performing their duties, including:

2.20.1 Free or subsidised meals, beverages or refreshments of reasonable value provided in conjunction with:

2.20.1.1 Council work related events such as training, education sessions workshops and conferences;

2.20.1.2 Council functions or events;

2.20.1.3 Social functions organised by groups such as Council committees and community organisations.

2.20.2 Invitations to, and attendance at, local social, cultural or sporting events.

2.21 Where any Council employee receives a gift or benefit of more than a value published in the Government Gazette by the Minister from time to time, details of each gift or benefit must be recorded within a gifts and benefits register maintained and updated quarterly by the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. This register must be made available for inspection at the principal office of the Council and on the Council website.