The Councillor Gifts Policy (PDF 149KB) is based on principles of integrity, good governance, transparency and accountability, and seeks to minimise improper practices and potential conflicts of interest.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- specify the general obligations for Councillors who are offered gifts, benefits and hospitality in their role as Councillors, in order to help Councillors demonstrate their fair and impartial conduct and avoid conflicts of interest and/or perceptions of conflicts of interest
- state the requirements and processes to be followed by Councillors when declaring offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality
- be clear on requirements in relation to the retention and disposal of gifts by Councillors
- identify instances when the giving or receiving of civic or ceremonial gifts is appropriate
- outline Council’s accountability and reporting framework in relation to the reporting of offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality, and the maintenance of the Council's Gifts Register, (PDF 86KB) and
- give effect to the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020 and the standards of conduct contained in the regulations, and Public Transparency Principles in accordance with section 58 of the Local Government Act 2020.