Conduct and disclosure

Model Code of Conduct

We adopted our current Model Councillor Code of Conduct (PDF, 70KB) effective from 26 October 2024, all Councillors are required to observe the Model Code of Conduct which is prescribed in Schedule 1 to the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Amendment Regulations 2024.

On 30 August 2016 we set up the Conduct Reference Group Terms of Reference and Operating Guidelines (PDF, 33KB), to operate within the Code of Conduct.

Councillor Communications and Media Protocol

We adopted our current Councillor Communications and Media Protocol (PDF, 117KB) on 3 November 2021. This protocol applies to Councillor interaction with community members via written communication, external news media and engagement with any public facing social media platform.

Councillor Child Safe Policy

We adopted a Councillor Child Safe Policy (PDF, 146KB) on 26 November 2019. The Policy outlines expectations for Councillors when interacting with children and young people and our responsibilities in identifying, responding to and reporting child abuse.

Councillor Gift Policy

We adopted a Councillor Gift Policy (PDF, 625KB) on 6 April 2021. The Policy objective is to:

• provide guidance and transparency on the acceptance and declaration of any gifts or benefits offered to, or received by, Councillors
• maintain high levels of integrity and public trust by avoiding potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest and reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption
• provide for the maintenance of a gift register and any other matters prescribed by the regulations under section 138 of the Local Government Act 2020
• complement personal interest returns by recording gifts that are below the threshold for disclosure set by the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020.

View the Councillors Gift Register (PDF, 164KB).

Personal Interest Return Summary

Council adopted a Public Transparency Policy (PDF, 209KB) on 11 August 2020. As part of the Policy and in accordance with section 135 of the Local Government Act 2020 a summary of the Councillors personal interest returns is available.

It is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2020 (Act) and the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020 (Regulations) for Councillors to complete an initial personal interest return followed by biannual personal interest returns in March and September each year (prescribed periods).

• Councillors September 2024 Biannual Personal Interest Return Summary (PDF, 232KB)
• Councillors March 2024 Biannual Personal Interest Return Summary (PDF, 233KB)
• Councillor Karslake March 2024 Initial Personal Interest Return Summary (PDF, 179KB)
• Councillors September 2023 Initial and Biannual Personal Interest Return Summary (PDF, 246KB)
• Councillors March 2023 Initial and Biannual Personal Interest Return Summary (PDF, 183KB)

Election campaign donation returns disclosure

Section 306(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 requires all candidates to submit an election campaign donation return to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) within 40 days after election day.

Section 307(1) requires the CEO to submit a written report to the Minister within 14 days after the period specified in section 306(1). It should specify the names of the election candidates and those who submitted Returns under section 306.

Section 307(2) of the Act requires the CEO to ensure that they publish a summary of each return on Council’s website, within 14 days after the period specified in section 306.

We must display this summary on its website until the close of the roll for the next general election.

Download the summary of the Election Campaign Donation Return Summary (PDF, 39KB).

Councillors' expenses

To help Councillors perform their duties, we developed a Councillor Civic Support and Expenses Policy (PDF, 322KB).

It details our policies in areas including:

• expenses
• conferences, seminars and training
• accountability.

You can download details of our recent expenses.

Good Governance Framework

We adopted the Good Governance Framework in June 2024. It’s a valuable resource for Councillors to build a practical understanding of Glen Eira City Council’s governance processes.  

The Framework aims to show the value of good governance and outlines how the various aspects of Council’s governance system work together. 

Good governance relies on having effective structures, systems, processes and procedures in place to ensure Council is operating in accordance with the principles set out in the Local Government Act 2020.  

It’s about more than just complying with minimum requirements, it helps to build an effective, fair and transparent culture for Council that supports the best possible outcomes being achieved for the community. 

Councillor and Staff Interaction Protocol

We adopted our Councillor and Staff Interaction Protocol on 6 July 2023 in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020. It provides a framework that supports strong and effective working relationships between Councillors and Council offers to deliver good governance.