Any gifts or donation above $50 have to be declared to the council’s general manager within 14 days of receiving it, the local government regulations state. 

The claims come after reports some councils had not made their councillors aware of the rule after it was changed in August this year.

However, West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl said the rules were “very clear”. 

“The councillors [at West Tamar] are very aware of the gifts policy and we adhere to it strictly,” she said.

“I think it’s up to those candidates that are standing outside of council to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations that apply to donations and gifts. The policy is very clearly stated on the LGAT website.” 

Break O’Day, Dorset, George Town, Meander Valley and West Tamar mayors and City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said their councils already had a gifts and donation register prior to the new rules being introduced. 

“That rule applies not just election mode, it applies at anytime during the year,” Dorset mayor Greg Howard said. 

“There have been a few minor declarations [in Dorset]. I declared a free ticket to the AFL game at York Park from the Treasurer one day.”

Cr Howard said he was not aware of any donations being made to his councillors, but said it would not affect him because he does not accept donations.

Northern Midlands mayor David Downie said he believed his councillors would be following the rules, and Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Michael Kent said he said there was not a declaration issue in his area.

Flinders Island Council was contacted for comment.