Does a Council Member granted leave of absence from office to stand for a state election need to return items provided by Council?

No. Under the Act, a Council Member representing a political party is not required to return items that have been provided by Council to help them perform their role while they are on leave of absence from office. Examples of such items include, but are not limited to, a Council-issued vehicle, mobile telephone and/or laptop.

While the items do not have to be returned, a Council Member must not use the items nor any other Council services or support while they are on leave.

Regardless, it may be in the Council Member’s interests to voluntarily return any Council items, and not access any Council services and support, while taking leave of absence to mitigate the risk of any actual or perceived conflict of interest.

A Council Member can resume using Council items and accessing services and support when the election is decided.