Electoral gift register

Candidates in local government elections must be aware of their legislative obligation in relation to the disclosure of gifts leading up to the local government elections.

Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 requires both candidates and donors to disclose information about any electoral related gift with a value of $300 or more that was given or promised during the disclosure period.

Electoral gifts

A 'gift' means a disposition of property, or the conferral of any financial benefit, made by one person in favour of another.

It can include:

• a gift of money
• a gift which is non-monetary but of value
• a gift in kind or where there is inadequate financial consideration such as the receipt of a discount (where the difference or the discount is worth more than $300)
• a financial or other contribution to travel
• the provision of a service for no consideration or for inadequate consideration
• a firm promise or agreement to give a gift at some future time.

It is important to note that a gift could be one or more gifts from the same donor that has a combined value of $300 or more.

Disclosure of Electoral Gifts

Both candidates and donors are required to disclose information about any electoral related gift with a value of $300 or more that is given or promised within the disclosure period. This means that a LG09A Disclosure of Gifts Form is required to be completed by both the donor and the candidate. It is essential that candidates are aware of this legislative requirement and should advise donors of their reporting responsibilities.

Disclosure period

Within three days of nomination, any candidate in a local government election is required to disclose any gifts received within the disclosure period prior to nomination. Candidates must disclose any gifts received in the six months prior to Election Day. Any gift received after nomination is required to be disclosed within three days of acceptance of the gift.

The disclosure period finishes three days after Election Day (for unsuccessful candidates) and on the commencement of financial interest returns for successful candidates.

How a Disclosure is made

All disclosures are to be made on an LG09A Disclosure of Gifts Form and delivered to the City of Stirling Chief Executive Officer within three days of receiving the gift, once your candidate nomination has been made to the Returning Officer.

Donors will also need to disclose any gifts made within the relevant period. Information required includes the name of the candidate, the name and address of the donor, the date the gift was promised or received, the value of the gift and a description of the gift.