Former Coffs Harbour councillor Tegan Swan charged with failure to declare donations on time

The Australian Electoral Commission has brought charges against a Woolgoolga woman who served as a Coffs Harbour councillor, the deputy mayor and at one stage the acting mayor.

Former Cr and Deputy Mayor Tegan Swan appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday April 16.

The Australian Electoral Commission has brought charges against a former Coffs Harbour councillor, deputy mayor and acting mayor over allegations she failed to declare political donations on time.

Former City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tegan Swan, 41, has faced court charged with two counts of failing to declare political donations within the required timeframe.

The charges relate to the Woolgoolga woman’s time as an elected councillor, serving a term which began in 2021 through to 2022, though she also served in 2023.

Former City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tegan Swan will return to court on April 30.

Documents tendered to the court indicate Swan is alleged to have committed an offence against section 141 (1) of the Electoral Funding Act 2018 by failing to lodge a declaration of political donations within the time required.

The disclosure period was between July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, and the last date for disclosure being February 13, 2023.

Tegan Swan.

Court documents state that as an elected councillor Swan was responsible for disclosing to the NSW Electoral Commission any political donations received or made, and allegedly failed to lodge a declaration.

The documents state a declaration was required to be lodged even if there were no disclosures.

Swan appeared before Magistrate Theresa Hamilton at Coffs Harbour court on Wednesday, and was yet to secure legal representation.

An adjournment date has been set for April 30.

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Originally published as Former Coffs Harbour councillor Tegan Swan charged with failure to declare donations on time