Overseeing the Members' Interests Act

The Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968 is a small but significant part of the legal framework for local democracy.

Our role in administering the Act includes:

  • deciding applications for exemptions from, or declarations about, the discussing and voting rule in the Act;
  • deciding applications for the approval of contracts worth more than $25,000 in a financial year;
  • providing guidance to elected council members and officers, to help them comply with the Act in particular situations; and
  • investigating and prosecuting alleged offences against the Act.

The Auditor-General regularly publishes guidance for council members about how to comply with the Act (see our reports on conflicts of interest).

Page last updated: 5 April 2023