The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has applauded the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) for its recommendation that publicising allegations of corruption against candidates during local government elections should be prohibited.
The Association has argued strongly for the measure, which it said would help eliminate smear campaigns and mud-slinging during election periods.
LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam congratulated the CCC for recognising that allegations against candidates should not be manipulated for electoral gain.
“The recommendations of the report balance the need for an open and transparent election process with ensuring that false or misleading accusations about political opponents are not publicised to the detriment of the community and the council.
“We commend the CCC for taking into consideration the reputation of councils and the public’s trust in their institutions of government in their balanced recommendations.”
The report further notes a large number of the allegations reviewed by the CCC in the lead-up to local government elections were ‘baseless’ and ‘designed to inflict electoral damage on political opponents.’
