In short:
Wyndham councillors have unanimously adopted an updated Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy. The changes introduce new rules for prizes and greater transparency over recipients listed on the public gift register.
New Rules For Public Servants
Wyndham councillors have unanimously adopted an updated policy governing gifts, benefits and hospitality received by councillors and council staff.
The revised policy keeps the existing $50 declaration threshold, meaning gifts worth less than $50 generally do not need to be declared or recorded on the gift register. A separate $500 cumulative disclosure threshold under state legislation also remains in place.
The main changes relate to prizes and greater transparency around who receives gifts.
Prizes received by councillors or council officers while representing Wyndham City at conferences, seminars, training, industry forums or community events will now be treated as gifts and subject to the same declaration and approval requirements.
The council’s publicly available gift register will also become more specific. Councillors who receive gifts will be identified by their name and title, rather than simply being listed as “Councillor”.
Council employees will not be personally named, but their position title will be published instead of the generic description “Officer”.
The policy applies to both accepted and declined gifts, benefits and hospitality and is intended to prevent conflicts of interest and improve transparency.
The updated policy was unanimously adopted at Wyndham City Council’s 25 August meeting and is scheduled for another review in 2029.
