What is considered an electoral gift?

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

A gift does not include a gift by will; a gift from a relative; a gift that does not relate to the candidate's candidature; or the provision of volunteer labour.
 
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.

Who is required to disclose an electoral gift?

Candidates 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.

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

Donors are no longer required to disclosure electoral gifts.

When is the 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. The disclosure period commences six months prior to Election Day. Any gift received after nomination is required to be disclosed within three days of acceptance of the gift. Penalties for non-disclosure apply.

The disclosure period for the 2025 Ordinary Election Commences on 18 April 2025.
 
The disclosure period finishes three days after Election Day for unsuccessful candidates and on the start day for financial interest returns for successful candidates.

How do I make a disclosure?

Once your candidate nomination has been made to the Returning Officer you must make your disclosures on a LG09A Disclosure of Gifts form and deliver it to the Chief Executive Officer within three days of receiving the gift.

Information to be supplied 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.
 
The Chief Executive Officer is required to establish and maintain a public electoral gift register. Disclosures must be kept on the register for the period of 4 years after the relevant election day.

Further information can be found at the following link: 
Electoral gifts and crowdfunding | DLGIRS

How do I nominate as a candidate for Council?

Nominations may be made in person to the Returning Officer by appointment from Thursday 28 August 2025 and 4pm Thursday 4 September 2025.

Prior to nominating, all candidates must complete the online candidate induction course from the Department of Local Government, Industry, Regulation and Safety website.

More information on how to nominate can be found at the following links:

• Nominating to be a council member | DLGIRS
• Local Government Candidates | Western Australian Electoral Commission

Who can nominate to stand as candidate?

Under the Local Government Act 1995, to be eligible to nominate as a candidate for a local government election, the candidate must be:

• an elector of the district (residential or owner/occupier); and
• over 18 years of age.

A person cannot nominate as a candidate if they:

• are a member of the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Council, the House of Representatives or the Senate (or has been elected as such a member but has not yet taken office)
• are a member of the council of another local government
• are an insolvent under administration
• are in prison serving a sentence for a crime
• have been convicted of a serious local government offence within the last 5 years (unless the court waived the disqualification)
• have been convicted on indictment of an offence for which the indictable penalty was, or included:
  • imprisonment for life, or
  • imprisonment for more than five years.
• are subject to a court order disqualifying him or her from being a member of a council because he or she has misapplied local government funds or property.
• are a nominee of a body corporate.
• propose standing for two positions on council (unless standing for mayor or president as well as councillor)
• are currently disqualified by the State Administrative Tribunal from holding office as a member of a council.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the Council Members?

The City of Vincent Governance Framework, the Act and the relevant regulations provide the framework within which Council Members operate and from where they derive specific details of their roles and responsibilities. 

In accordance with section 2.10 of the Local Government Act 1995, the role of a Council Members is to:

• Represent the interests of electors, ratepayers and residents of the district.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the community in the district.
• Facilitate communication between the community and the Council.
• Participate in the City’s decision-making process.
• Perform such other functions as prescribed in the Act or any other written law.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor?

The City of Vincent Governance Framework, the Act and the relevant regulations provide the framework within which the Mayor operates and from where they derive specific details of their roles and responsibilities.

In accordance with section 2.8 of the Local Government Act 1995, the role of the Mayor is to:

• preside at meetings in accordance with the LGA.
• provide leadership and guidance to the community in the district.
• carry out civic and ceremonial duties on behalf of the City.
• speak on behalf of the City.
• perform such other functions in accordance with the LGA Act or any other written law.
• liaise with the CEO on the City’s affairs and the performance of its functions.

Who is the Returning Officer?

Niamh Hopkins has been appointed by the WAEC as the Returning Officer for City of Vincent.

Email:                   [email protected]

Telephone:          0457 919 255

Does campaign material need to be authorised?

Electoral material is required to be authorised under the Local Government Act. Electoral Material is defined as ‘any advertisement, handbill, pamphlet, notice, letter or article that is intended or calculated to affect the result of an election but does not include an advertisement in a newspaper announcing the holding of a meeting’.

The requirements relating to the authorisation of election material, including printed materials and social media, can be found at the following links:

• Electoral offences and complaints – Western Australian Electoral Commission
• Rights and obligations in campaigning | DLGSC

Can I erect election signage on City property?

Election sign means any sign which advertises any aspect of a forthcoming Federal, State or local government election and may include promoting a registered candidate or political party.

Elections signs displayed on City land are subject to the provisions and requirements of the City's Election Signs Policy.

For more information, see our Election Signage page.

Do I need planning approval to erect and display an election sign?

Election signs are exempt from the provisions of the Local Planning Policy: Signs and Advertising Policy and do not require planning approval. 

However, the City may require the removal of a sign on private property if it poses a health or safety hazard under the Election Signs Policy

For more information, see our Election Signage page.