4.8.4 Fees, endorsements and outside activities

The position of mayor is a full-time occupation and is remunerated as such. Accordingly, accepting additional payment for doing anything that could be regarded as a mayoral function is not appropriate. In particular, the mayor often speaks at conferences or other gatherings to discuss the council’s policies and plans. This is an integral part of the mayoral role and no appearance fee should be expected or accepted.
The mayor should take care before accepting any appearance fee or other personal payment relating to a non-mayoral activity. The mayor should consider whether the payment reflects on his or her mayoral role, or could give rise to a perceived conflict of interest.
It is not appropriate for the mayor to take part in the day-to-day management or operation of any business. However, provided no conflicts of interest arise, the mayor is not required to dissolve professional partnerships, allow practising certificates to lapse, or dispose of a business. The mayor may also continue to advise on family trusts, or similar matters of personal interest.
As with other elected members, the mayor should take care before endorsing any product or service, or to allow his/her presence at an event to be perceived as an endorsement. For more information see Section 3.2.3: Conduct - mandatory relationships and behaviours.