Gifts, benefits and hospitality

27 November 2025
wrapped gifts
With end-of-year festivities approaching, it’s timely to remember public sector rules about gifts, benefits and hospitality.

Gifts and hospitality are a traditional way of giving thanks and getting together at this time of year. 

However, department staff are limited in what they can accept from our funded agencies under public sector integrity and anti-corruption rules. We also have to declare all offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality worth $50 or more on a public register.  

For these reasons, and to avoid any misunderstandings, we ask that organisations not offer gifts, benefits or hospitality to department staff other than token hospitality (such as tea or coffee at meetings). This includes things like end of year lunches, drinks and hampers. There are limited exceptions around cultural items. 

If you would like to express appreciation for one of our team, your thanks and kind words are enough. 

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to our continued work together in 2026. 

For more information 

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Gifts, benefits and hospitality web page

Department of Health Gifts, benefits and hospitality web page