The general rule is that members are prohibited from accepting a fee, gift or personal benefit if it is offered in connection to the performance of their official duties, whether directly or indirectly. However, there is an exception for gifts or personal benefits received “as an incident of the protocol or social obligations that normally accompany the responsibilities of office”. Generally, this means some kind of token gift or hospitality offered in conjunction with an official function, such as giving a speech.
If a Member does accept a gift, it must be disclosed to the Commissioner if its value exceeds $200, or if the total value of all gifts received from one source within a 12 month period exceeds $200.
Members must still determine whether it is appropriate to accept it in the circumstances (ie. fits the “incident of protocol” exception).
For further guidance and interpretation on this topic, see Gift Guide for Members.