Cockburn council late in drawing up disclosure forms

THE City of Cockburn is yet to draw up declaration forms for staff and elected members about party relationships and transactions.

From July 1, 2016, local governments must disclose related party relationships, transactions and outstanding balances, including commitments in the annual financial statements.

The matter was most recently raised in the minutes of the most recent audit and finance committee in July.

City of Cockburn finance and corporate services director Stuart Downing said the accounting standard required the council to disclose related party matters in its financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2017.

“The City will comply with the accounting standard,” he said.

“A policy is being prepared for the next delegated authorities, policies and position statements committee, including declaration forms for staff and elected members.

“To date this has not occurred even though a draft policy was provided to the audit committee. The City will undertake the above in the next month.

“It will use the disclosures elected members have made during the financial year as the base for the year June 30.

“Staff will also be required to provide disclosures of related party matters as they currently do.”

The City already provides a note in its financial statements on related party matters, including matters such as the SMRC and WALGA.

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