Councillor Code of Conduct Gifts and expenses

Find out what legislation and policies govern how our Councillors are supported.

Councillors Code of Conduct

The Councillor Code of Conduct outlines the expectations of behaviour and conduct for those elected to represent the community in the role of Councillor.

The Councillor Code of Conduct 2021 was adopted by resolution of the Darebin City Council on 27 January 2021. This Code was developed in accordance with Section 139 of the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s commitment to good governance and applies to all Councillors.

Councillor Code of Conduct 2021 - January 2021

This Code outlines the expectations of Councillors ensuring they are accountable for their actions and decisions and that they act with integrity, transparency and good governance.

Our Councillors have signed the Code and are strongly committed to working together constructively as a team. This Code is a public commitment and declaration that Councillors of Darebin City Council are committed to working together in the best interests of the people within the municipal community and to discharge their responsibilities to the best of their skill and judgement.

Gifts to Councillors

Section 138 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires councils to adopt a Councillor Gift Policy. At its meeting held on 22 March 2021, Council adopted the Councillor Gifts and Hospitality Policy 2021.

Councillor Gift Policy - March 2023

This policy states the Darebin City Council’s position on responding to offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality; and providing gifts, benefits and hospitality. This policy is intended to support Councillors in the avoidance of conflicts of interest created through the receipt of gifts, benefits and hospitality and to deal with these matters in a manner that maintains high levels of integrity and public trust.

The gifts, benefits and hospitality register for Councillors is available here:

Councillors Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Register 2021 - 2022

Councillors Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Register 2020 - 2021

 

Councillors support and expenses

Allowances

Mayors and Councillors are entitled to receive an allowance while performing their duty as an elected official. Pursuant to section 39 of the Local Government Act 2020 (2020 Act) allowances for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors are provided in accordance with a Determination of the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration Tribunal) under the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal and Improving Parliamentary Standards Act 2019. 


Councils are divided into three allowance categories based on the income and population of each Council. Darebin Council is classified as a category 3 Council and the current limits of Mayoral and Councillor allowances (effective 18 July 2023), adjusted in accordance with the adjustment factor are:

  • Mayoral Allowance $130,390 per annum
  • Deputy Mayor Allowance $65,195 per annum
  • Councillor Allowance $39,390 per annum
 

Expenses

Councillors are elected to provide leadership for the good governance of the municipal district and the local community. Section 40 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires Council to adopt and maintain an expenses policy in relation to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for Councillors and members of Delegated Committees.

In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2020, the Darebin City Council adopted Councillor Support and Expense Policy at its meeting held on 20 July 2020.

Councillor Support and Expenses Policy 2021

The objective of this policy is to establish the resources, facilities and administrative support to be provided to Councillors of Darebin City Council. It provides for Councillors to have out-of-pocket expenses, incurred while performing their official duties as a Councillor, either reimbursed or paid direct by the Council. The policy also provides guidelines for Councillors on the process for claiming expenses and outlines the methods and standards for reporting and accountability.

Councillor expense reports and annual cumulative details of individual Councillors expenses will be published on our website.