Council integrity

Read the Summary of personal interest returns, Councillor expenses, and the Conflicts of Interest register.

Council Integrity Overview

Moorabool Shire Council understands its responsibility to be transparent and accountable to its residents. On this page, you will find information about the summary of personal interest returns, Councillor expenses, and the Conflicts of Interest register.

Model Councillor Code of Conduct

From 26 October 2024, all Councillors are required to observe the Model Councillor Code of Conduct.

The Model Councillor Code of Conduct replaces the previous statutory requirement for each Council to develop its own Councillor Code of Conduct.

The Model Councillor Code of Conduct establishes clear standards for the behaviour and responsibilities of Councillors. Its purpose is to ensure that Councillors can effectively perform their duties and functions, supporting the Council in its overriding role to provide good governance for the benefit and wellbeing of the municipal community.

By setting these expectations, Councillors are better equipped to perform their duties in a manner that reflects the values of integrity, transparency, respect and accountability.

Model Councillor Code of Conduct(PDF, 70KB)

Personal Interest Returns

The Local Government Act 2020 requires Councilors, members of delegated committees and key council staff to submit a record of their personal interests to the Chief Executive Officer upon commencement of their position as well as twice yearly for the duration of their position. Summaries of these returns are below and are available for inspection at Council offices.

Declaring of personal interests is done so the public can see the shareholdings, trusts, business associations or other private interests of the people making decisions at Council. It is one way to ensure Councillors and other key people are transparently acting in an impartial manner for the benefit of the community and not for personal gain.

An initial personal interests return must be completed within 30 days of taking the oath of affirmation (for Councillors) or appointment (for staff and members of delegated committees). Further returns must be completed twice per year for the entire period that the position is held.

Summaries of most recent Initial and Biannual Personal Interests Returns are provided below.

Initial Personal Interests Return Summary 2025(PDF, 168KB)

Summary of Biannual Personal Interests Returns - September 2024(PDF, 342KB)

Councillor Expenses

Conflicts of Interest

Conflict of Interest laws are prescribed under the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) and in the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations). Managing conflicts of interest is about ensuring the integrity and transparency of decision-making.