Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Economics and Governance Committee
▸6 members spoke6 support
Shadow Minister for Local Government indicated the LNP will not oppose the councillor complaints bill as it moves in the right direction for achieving better outcomes for local government.
“Therefore, the LNP will not be opposing this legislation in relation to the Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
As a committee member, supported the councillor complaints bill but expressed concern about the extension of donation bans to state level without evidence base.
“The LNP's position is to not oppose the bill. It is clear that, after an independent review, an overhaul of the existing legislative and policy framework applicable to councillor complaints is required.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
Spoke in support of the councillor complaints bill, welcoming the creation of the Office of the Independent Assessor and uniform code of conduct for councillors.
“The changes proposed within this legislation are significant. They are major and welcome changes to the way the current system operates.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
Praised Western Queensland councillors and supported the amendments to streamline councillor complaints, while criticising the extension of donation bans to state level.
“There is support for the amendments contained in the Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. We acknowledge that these proposed changes to the existing legislative and policy framework applicable for councillor complaints will make addressing this problematic area less challenging.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
Supported the councillor complaints amendments as a former local government executive officer, acknowledging the need to address conflicted roles of CEOs in assessing complaints.
“Very simply put, we support the amendments contained in the bill and acknowledge that these proposed changes to the existing legislative framework applicable for councillor complaints will make addressing this problematic area far less challenging.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
Supported the councillor complaints bill amendments while monitoring progress to gauge effectiveness.
“The LNP has a sound record of working in partnership with councils and the Local Government Association of Queensland.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill overhauls the system for handling complaints about councillor conduct in Queensland. It creates an Independent Assessor to investigate complaints, replacing the previous system where council CEOs had conflicts of interest in assessing complaints against their own councillors. A new Councillor Conduct Tribunal will hear serious misconduct matters, with appeal rights to QCAT.
Who it affects
All Queensland councillors face a new conduct framework with clearer rules and stronger accountability. Council employees gain protection from reprisal if they report misconduct. Community members have access to an independent complaints process.
Key changes
- New Independent Assessor investigates all councillor conduct complaints, removing conflicts of interest
- Councillor Conduct Tribunal hears misconduct cases, replacing Regional Conduct Review Panels
- Three-tier system: unsuitable meeting conduct, inappropriate conduct, and misconduct with escalating consequences
- Appeal rights restored - QCAT can review tribunal misconduct decisions
- Mandatory uniform code of conduct for all councillors
- Protection from reprisal for staff and councillors who report misconduct (indictable offence)
- Public councillor conduct register must be maintained by all councils
- Separate Local Government Remuneration Commission to decide councillor pay