The Queensland Government will introduce an Independent Assessor to consider all complaints against councillors, in a move to reform local government.
Local councils have welcomed the plans to overhaul the system that manages complaints against sitting councillors but will insist the new proposals deserve careful scrutiny.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) chief executive Greg Hallam said it was heartening that the Government has accepted many of the recommendations of the independent Councillor Complaints Review.
Mr Hallam said the LGAQ accepted the thrust of the proposed changes and, indeed, argued for many of them. The issue had also been debated as the subject of several resolutions at LGAQ annual conferences, he said.
“But we want to make sure on behalf of our member councils that the detailed legislation giving effect to these reforms is the best it can be.
“We will reserve final support for the changes until we are satisfied of that but I’m pleased these reforms are likely to mean less time and resources wasted on dealing with unfounded or frivolous complaints.’’
Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mark Furner said, under the proposed model the Independent Assessor would consider all complaints against councillors and be able to dismiss or prosecute frivolous, vexatious or out-of-time complaints. As well, a mandatory Code of Conduct would standardise acceptable behaviour.
The announcement follows the commencement last week of electoral donation laws requiring candidates for local government to declare electoral donations within seven days.
Mr Hallam said the LGAQ agreed with the Government that it was important to ensure public confidence in the councillor complaints system.
“Every council in Queensland has an interest in ensuring the sector has the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”
The Government will consult widely with councils and peak bodies on the proposed new laws over coming months.
