File a Conflict of Interest Disclosure - Perth WA
Perth, Western Australia requires councillors, local government officers and certain contractors to disclose conflicts of interest so public decisions remain transparent. This guide explains the typical online filing process used by local governments in the Perth area, who enforces disclosures, common steps to complete a disclosure, and how to seek review or appeal. It is written for residents, elected members and staff who need clear, practical steps to meet disclosure obligations and keep council records current.
How to file an online disclosure in Perth
Most disclosures are lodged with the City of Perth or the relevant local government authority. The usual online workflow is:
- Check whether you must lodge a disclosure under the Local Government Act and your council’s Code of Conduct.
- Gather supporting details: dates, interests, entity names and monetary ranges.
- Complete the council’s online disclosure form or portal entry where available.
- Review for accuracy, sign electronically if required, and submit.
- Keep a copy of the submitted form and note any confirmation number or receipt.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for failure to disclose or for making false or misleading disclosures is handled under the Local Government Act 1995 (WA), associated regulations and a council’s Code of Conduct. The exact monetary fines and penalties depend on the instrument that applies and the enforcing authority.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: council orders, directions under the Act, or referral to the State administrative bodies and courts may apply.
- Enforcer: the local government (By-law Enforcement or Governance unit) and state oversight agencies administer compliance and investigations.
- Inspection and complaint pathways: complaints are lodged to the local government governance team or through the council complaints process.
- Appeals/review: review or appeal routes are via council review procedures or state administrative tribunals; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: defences such as a "reasonable excuse" or seeking an approved exemption may be available where set out in the Act or council policies.
- Common violations: late filing, incomplete information, failure to update registers; typical penalties vary by instrument.
Applications & Forms
The City of Perth and other local governments generally publish a disclosure or register form (councillor/employee registers of interest) for lodgement. Where a specific online form or fee is required, that detail is published on the council website or governance pages; if no form is published, contact the council governance office to confirm the process.
Action steps
- Identify whether you are required to disclose by consulting your council’s governance pages and the Local Government Act.
- Prepare a single document listing interests, dates and monetary ranges to speed completion.
- Complete and submit the online form or email the governance officer if online lodgement is not available.
- Pay any processing fee only if the council specifies one on its official form page.
- Keep records and follow up with the governance officer for confirmation that the entry appears in the public register.
FAQ
- Who must lodge a conflict of interest disclosure?
- Councillors, designated local government officers and other persons identified by the council or the Local Government Act must lodge disclosures when a prescribed interest exists.
- When must I update my disclosure?
- Update a disclosure when a new interest arises or an existing interest changes within the timeframes required by your council policy or the Act.
- Can I lodge by email instead of using an online form?
- If the council provides an email lodgement route, follow its published instructions; otherwise use the online portal or contact governance for guidance.
How-To
- Check your council’s governance page for the specific disclosure form and deadlines.
- Collect all required details: dates, entity names, interest type and estimated values.
- Access the council’s online disclosure form or portal and complete each field accurately.
- Review the submission, sign electronically if required, and submit. Save confirmation.
- If you cannot submit online, email or deliver the signed form to the governance office and request written receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Disclose promptly: timely, accurate registers protect decision-making integrity.
- Contact governance: your council’s governance unit manages lodgement and records.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth - City and Council
- Western Australian legislation - search Local Government Act 1995
- Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries