FAQs
Councillors and Council staff
Developers and lobbyists as defined in the policy
People representing charitable, religious and other organisations endorsed as deductible gift recipients
Non-profit organisations or associations representing the interests of their members (e.g., local sporting clubs and community groups)
Individuals making representations on behalf of family and friends regarding their personal affairs
Members of trade delegations visiting Australia
Members of professions whose regulated activities involve dealing with government representatives during their day-to-day work
Members of professions who occasionally make representations to a level of government on behalf of others as part of their professional services, such as doctors, lawyers and accountants
Representatives of other Government agencies
Advise Council contacts that they are a developer or lobbyist, or their employee or contractor
Not approach Councillors directly but via the standard customer service channels
Not offer gifts or hospitality to Council representatives
Not engage in any conduct that is corrupt, dishonest or illegal, or cause or threaten any detriment
Take measures to ensure the truth or accuracy of information provided to their representatives, Council and the public
Whether they are currently listed on the Victorian Public Sector Commission’s Register of Lobbyists
That they are making contact on behalf of a third party
The name of the third party and the nature of the issue
Whether they also act for any other third parties currently involved in the Council process
Ensure that lobbyists are registered prior to meeting
Ensure that other parties are aware of the requirements applying to them under this policy
Disclose any conflicts of interest
Neither solicit nor accept any gifts or hospitality
Declare contact with developers and lobbyists for inclusion in a publicly available register
Report any known or suspected breach of the above conditions by a developer or lobbyist
Maintain a register of contact with lobbyists and developers
Publish this register on the Council website and update quarterly
Why is this policy being introduced?
Allegations of corruption in recent years have been investigated by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Victorian Ombudsman.
These investigations have resulted in the issuing of Local Government Inspectorate guidelines for Councils to avoid the risk or perception of corruption.
The development of this policy is also a recommendation of Whitehorse City Council’s internal auditors.
Who is impacted by this policy?
Who is exempt from this policy?
What will this policy require people to do?
Developers and lobbyists must:
Additionally, lobbyists must also advise:
Council representatives must:
Council must: