Disclosures of Interest
As per the Local Government Act 1995 section 5.65(1) (a) (b) a member who has an interest in any matter that is to be discussed at a Council or Committee meeting, that will be attended by the member, must disclose the nature of the interest in a written notice given to the CEO before the meeting or at the meeting immediately before the matter is disclosed.
There are four different types of interests that can be disclosed:
1. Direct Financial Interest:
Local Government Act 1995 – Section 5.60A:
” A person has a financial interest in a matter if it is reasonable to expect that the matter will, if dealt with by the local government, or an employee or committee of the local government or member of the council of the local government, in a particular way, result in a financial gain, loss, benefit or detriment for the person.”
2. Indirect Financial Interest:
Local Government Act 1995 – Section 5.61:
“A reference to a financial relationship between that person and another person who requires a local government decision in relation to the matter.”
3. Proximity Interest:
Local Government Act 1995 – Section 5.60B(1) (a) (b) & (c):
“A person has a proximity interest in a matter if the matter concerns a proposed change to a planning scheme affecting land that adjoins the person’s land; or a proposed change to the zoning or use of land that adjoins the person’s land; or a proposed development (as defined in section 5.63(5)) of land that adjoins the person’s land.”
Local Government Act 1995 – Section 5.60B(3):
“A reference to a person’s land is a reference to any land owned by the person or in which the person has any estate or interest.”
4. Impartiality Interest:
Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 – Section 19AA:
“means an interest that could, or could reasonably be perceived to, adversely affect the impartiality of the person having the interest; and includes an interest arising from kinship, friendship or membership of an association.”
Councillors with direct financial interest, indirect financial interests or proximity interests must not preside at the part of the meeting relating to the matter or participate in, or be present during, any discussion or decision making procedure relating to the matter as per Section 5.67 of the Local Government Act 1995.
Disclosure of Interest Register January 2025 to December 2025
As per regulation 28 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulation 1996 a register of interests is to be kept in relation to each disclosure made under sections 5.65, 5.70, 5.71 or 5.71A of the Local Government Act 1995.
Impartiality Interests are not dealt with in the above mentioned sections and therefore do not require recording in the register.
| Date of Disclosure | Councillor | Nature of Disclosure | Extent of Interest | Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28.01.2025 | Cr. Wendy Dickinson | Financial Interest | Item 12.1.4 – Diploma of Local Government by Councillor Wendy Dickinson
She would benefit financially should the Item be carried. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Ordinary Council Meeting |
| Date of Disclosure | Councillor | Nature of Disclosure | Extent of Interest | Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18.02.205 | Ms. Annie Riordan | Financial Interest | Item 7.1.1 – CEO Leave
The report relates to her employment. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Agenda Briefing Session |
| 25.02.2025 | Ms. Annie Riordan | Financial Interest | Item 17.1.1 – CEO Leave
The report relates to her employment. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Ordinary Council Meeting |
| Disclosure | Councillor | Nature of Disclosure | Extent of Interest | Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18.03.2025 | Cr. Wendy Dickinson | Proximity Interest | Item 5.4.4 – Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program – Phase 4.
The report refers to an asphalt project taking place on the street she lives on. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Agenda Briefing Session |
| 25.03.2025 | Cr. Wendy Dickinson | Proximity Interest | Item 12.4.4 – Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program – Phase 4.
The report refers to an asphalt project taking place on the street she lives on. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Ordinary Council Meeting |
| 25.03.2025 | Cr. Tiny Holly | Proximity Interest | Item 12.4.1 – Forward Capital Works Plan 2025–2030 – D24.1 and O26.22.
These works are in proximity to his place of residence. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Ordinary Council Meeting |
Nil.
| Disclosure | Councillor | Nature of Disclosure | Extent of Interest | Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.05.2025 | Cr. Tiny Holly | Proximity Interest | Item 5.2.1 – Harvey Oval Redevelopment.
That he lives adjacent to the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Agenda Briefing Session |
| 27.05.2025 | Cr. Tiny Holly | Proximity Interest | Item 12.2.1 – Harvey Oval Redevelopment.
That he lives adjacent to the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre. Will leave the Chamber for the duration of the item. |
Ordinary Council Meeting |
Nil.
Nil.
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Annual and Primary Returns
Council members, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and employees are expected to make decisions in the best interests of their community. To do this, they must consider each issue on its merits. Decision-making could be influenced (or perceived to be influenced) in a number of ways, including through financial relationships, personal relationships and the receipt of gifts. Section 5.75 and 5.76 of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) sets out requirements for council members, CEOs and other employees to ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making.
For more information visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Gift Disclosures
Similarly to Primary and Annual Returns, the receipt of gifts could influence (or be perceived to influence) the decision-making of council members, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and local government employees. Sections 5.87A and 5.87B the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) sets out requirements for council members and CEOs to ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making.
For more information visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
| Gift recipient | Gift and estimated value | Giver | Relationship between recipient and giver | Date received, offered or promised | Reason offered | Decision | Gift type | Date submitted | Acknowledged |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Henson | Cocktail set – $105.00 | Bethanie Urquhart, Burnie TAS 7320 Australia |
Contractor and client | 3 Oct 2024 | Gesture of good faith | Accepted and retained by myself | Gift | 9 Oct 2024 | 11 Oct 2024 |
| Roslyn Foster | 2 x $50 IGA gift vouchers | Justine Scandy, Bunbury WA 6230 Australia |
External researcher requested library staff to arrange a workshop with people of non-English speaking background | 22 Feb 2022 | Supporting research by Edith Cowan University in relation to people of NESB and their understanding of bushfire, heatwaves and other emergencies by arranging a workshop | Accepted and retained by myself | Gift | 25 Feb 2025 | 25 Feb 2025 |
More information and contacts
For more information about declaration of interest and gift registers, please contact us.
