The existing Councillor Gift Policy was adopted by Council in April 2021, to meet legislative requirements under the Local Government Act 2020.

Following the release of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct (Model Code) in October 2024, the policy has since been reviewed to ensure it reflects the good governance and integrity components that are integral to the Model Code. In its commitment to upholding integrity and accountability standards, while aiming to follow best practice, the policy has incorporated the values and standards, as set out in the Victorian Public Sector Commission’s Minimum accountabilities – for managing gifts, benefits and hospitality in the Victorian public sector. The Policy has been further strengthened with the inclusion of integrity-based questions which are to be considered by Councillors when gifts have been offered.

A revised policy has now been drafted for community feedback.

How will your feedback be used?

We invite you to review the revised Councillor Gift Policy and provide feedback that will be used to refine the policy before it is presented to Council for adoption. Community input will be used to:

  • Inform the revised Policy where possible (noting limitations of content required by legislation).
  • Support implementation of the Policy.

Provide your feedback by 10 October 2025

Learn more about the revised Councillor Gift Policy

The Councillor Gift Policy is a revised policy and was last adopted by Council in April 2021. It has been updated to reflect the release of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and strengthen its alignment with integrity and accountability standards.

Yes, it is a requirement of section 138 of the Local Government Act 2020 for Council to develop and maintain a Councillor Gifts Policy.

Legislation requires some elements to be included and considered within the policy. However, most parts of the policy are determined by Council.

Engagement outcomes

Engagement Overview

Engagement Purpose

The purpose of community engagement on the revised Councillor Gift Policy was to check that the policy clearly outlines what Councillors need to consider and do when offered a gift, and when they must refuse a gift.

Engagement Dates

Community engagement was open for feedback from 10 September to 10 October 2025.

Engagement Methods

Participants were invited to review the revised policy and answer a short survey, including a space to add free text comments.

Online survey participants were required to log into Engage Frankston before providing their feedback. This was done so the project team could contact participants to discuss their feedback and provide a personalised response where needed. It also allowed for a shorter survey experience as Engage Frankston members have already provided some information about themselves such as suburb and age group.

Participants could also contact the project team directly by phone or email using the contact details published on the project page.

The policy could be reviewed in several ways:

  • View the document on a webpage (no download required)
  • Download a PDF copy of the policy to view on a device or print at home
  • Telephone the project team to ask questions and discuss the policy document

Participants had access to the following supports:

  • Language translation tool on the Engage Frankston page
  • Contact the project team by phone or email to discuss the document and provide feedback
  • Make use of Councils interpreter service or the National Relay Service

Council promoted the project to reach interested community members by:

  • Sending a new project notification email to 387 Engage Frankston members with a registered interest in "Council business and finance"

Engagement Results

During the engagement period, the Engage Frankston page was visited 37 times.

The revised policy document was downloaded once and viewed on Issuu 19 times.

One (1) participant chose to complete survey. The participant rated the policy 'very good' in its explanations of what Councillors need to consider and do when offered a gift, and when they must refuse a gift.

The participant stated that 'All gifts not matter value should be declared and monetary value deducted from councillors pay'.

The participant did not request a response or to speak at the Council meeting.

Next Steps

The revised complaints policy will be presented for adoption to Council on 27 October 2025.

Learn more about Council meetings here: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-and-committee-meetings/Council-Meetings

How to participate

  • Share your feedback on the revised Policy

    Help us identify gaps and suggest improvements. Your feedback will be used to consider updates to the policy before it is presented to Council for adoption.

    Complete the survey in the 'Provide your feedback' tab by 10 October 2025.

  • Who can participate?

    We invite all individual community members who are interested to provide feedback through the survey in the 'Provide your feedback' tab on this page.

    You can make a written submission on behalf of the group (such as community group, organisation, or association) by emailing governance.enquiries@frankston.vic.gov.au

  • Follow this project for updates

    Follow this project to be notified of the engagement results and project outcomes.

Provide your feedback

Services to support participation in this engagement.

Council can arrange a telephone interpreter for you, call us on 1300 322 322


Or you can call:



Interpreter Service: 131 450
NRS: 133 677 or 1300 555 727