Guidance on the Gift Rule


Ministers’ staff cannot accept a gift or benefit from anyone who does business with the Crown or wants to do business with the Crown if a reasonable person might conclude that the gift could influence staff when performing their duties.

The OIC has prepared a resource to assist public servants working in ministers' offices to understand and comply with the gift rule.

Ministers’ staff should be wary of accepting gifts in the following circumstances:

  • The donor or the donor’s client is a ministry or government stakeholder
  • The donor or the donor’s client may be affected by ministry or government programs and/or policies
  • The donor is a registered lobbyist
  • The donor or the donor’s client has applied for government funding

Contact the OIC when you have a question about the acceptability of a gift. Even if the gift can be accepted, you may need to disclose it to the OIC.

  

Need to disclose a gift?
Use this form.

  

Read more about the Conflict of Interest Rules.


Ministers' Staff

Sample Inquiries

Read examples of inquiries received by the Integrity Commissioner from ministers’ staff and the advice or direction provided in response.