Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018

As Leader of the House, moved the allocation of time limit order to complete all remaining stages of the bills by 5 pm, arguing the opposition was using a deliberate strategy of delay to prevent legislation from passing.

“What we have seen in the last two sitting weeks of this parliament is a deliberate strategy of those opposite to delay the business of this House.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the establishment of the Independent Assessor and the councillor complaints framework, but opposed the extension of developer donation bans to state elections without an open inquiry, arguing the government was rushing legislation to avoid banning union donations.

“I believe the people of Queensland are smart enough to realise that this is a government rushing through legislation that is disregarding the advice of the Crime and Corruption Commission to look after their union mates and not the people of Queensland.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

As Deputy Premier, moved the second reading and championed the bill as delivering real-time political donation disclosure for local government elections, implementing CCC recommendations, and addressing character housing protection through Gerhardt-related amendments.

“Queensland now has some of the most progressive, open and transparent political donation laws in the country. Queensland is leading the way in disclosing details about how and when political donations are made.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Opposed the guillotine motion as a dictatorship undermining democracy, arguing that members have the right to speak on legislation and that the Leader of the House cannot manage parliamentary time. Supported accountability for local government but opposed aspects of the bills.

“What we are increasingly seeing now with the Palaszczuk Labor government is a dictatorship in this House. They say everyone has the right to speak, but then they want to choose who speaks and how long they speak for.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

As Deputy Leader of the Opposition, supported laws giving the minister more power to act on councillor misconduct but opposed extending developer donation bans to state MPs without including union donations, arguing it was politically motivated to nobble the opposition.

“To bring these laws in and with a straight face say that they are not going to extend them to trade unions is laughable.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Introduced the bill to ban property developer donations at both local and state government levels, strengthen conflict of interest provisions, and implement the CCC Belcarra report recommendations. Proposed additional amendments for automatic suspension of councillors charged with serious offences.

“This government believes that property developers should not be able to buy political influence simply because they can.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Did not oppose the local government electoral law changes but raised serious concerns about overreach regarding self-funded candidates who are party members, interstate incorporated associations, and ECQ cost recovery transparency.

“In conclusion, the LNP will not be opposing the changes being made in relation to the local government electoral law.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the guillotine motion and the bills, arguing the opposition was engaging in mindless filibustering rather than meaningful debate, and that all parliaments have mechanisms to bring bills to a vote.

“When the contest of ideas dissolves into the mindless futility of filibustering for its own sake, when the business of meaningful debate is reduced to a strategy of pointless delay, then the parliament has the responsibility to bring important questions to resolution.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the CCC's recommendations regarding local government donation bans but opposed extending them to state elections without a proper inquiry, arguing it was politically motivated and the definitions were deliberately vague.

“If we are going to go down the path of banning donations, it needs to be done in an evidence based way. There should be a proper inquiry, as suggested by the CCC.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

As Minister for Local Government, supported the bill as delivering real-time donation disclosure for local government elections in line with CCC recommendations, ensuring accountability and transparency.

“I rise to support the Local Government Electoral (Transparency and Accountability in Local Government) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, spoke against the guillotine motion, arguing every elected member has the right to contribute on legislation and that government amendments had not been through the committee process.

“This is the people's house and the people have elected each and every one of us to do what they think is right on legislation.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Offered cautious support for the stand-down provisions for councillors charged with integrity offences but expressed concern about the breadth of ministerial power to dismiss councillors in the undefined 'public interest', warning it could be used to punish local representatives for political disagreements.

“I have concerns that any minister—not just the present minister—of whichever government is in power at the time could use this power ruthlessly to dismiss a council or councillor due to political disagreements, dressing up the term 'public interest' to justify a thoroughly politically partisan sacking.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Supported the local government aspects of the Belcarra bill but raised concerns about the government's significant amendments that had not gone through the committee system, the undefined public interest test, and the automatic suspension provisions for councillors charged with offences.

“Rushed law is not always good law.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As shadow minister for planning, supported most planning and building changes but opposed the Gerhardt amendments in consideration in detail due to industry concerns about complexity and inadequate consultation.

“The opposition is not satisfied that the concerns have been met. We have since met with the HIA to discuss their concerns.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Spoke in the context of the cognate debate, focusing on Gold Coast local government issues and the M1 motorway, while supporting the LNP's amendments to include union donation bans.

“Labor's magnificent seven of the class of 2004 were all voted out because they did not do anything on the M1.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported reforms for local government accountability but opposed the government's approach of guillotining debate and extending donation bans beyond the CCC's recommendations to state elections.

“For these two very important bills we get only five minutes to address each bill.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level, arguing it would be ridiculous to ban developer donations for local government while sanctioning them for state parliament. Criticised the Greens for accepting corporate donations through interstate channels.

“The thought that the Premier and this parliament would ban developer donations for local government while, at the same time, sanctioning the same donations to candidates for state parliament is ridiculous.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill as a progressive, open and transparent process that will ensure Queensland leads the way in local government candidate transparency.

“I say to the Deputy Premier that I think this is good legislation. It is what the people of Queensland want.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as necessary reforms to restore confidence in local government.

“These reforms are about restoring public confidence in local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported accountability measures for local government but strongly opposed the extension of developer donation bans to state elections without including union donations, and criticised the government for rushing the legislation through without proper committee scrutiny.

“The government deliberately created an unfair playing field—something the people of Queensland hate.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the property developer donation ban to the state level, arguing the government had no evidence base to justify it. Cited the CCC chairman's own warnings that the reforms departed from the Belcarra report's scope and raised constitutional concerns. Foreshadowed amendments to include union donations in the ban.

“Does the property developer donation prohibition's extension to the state arena have any foundation in the evidence?”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported the majority of the legislation but raised concerns about the overreach regarding self-funded candidates who are political party members and the complexity of late planning amendments.

“The opposition, as indicated, will support the majority of the legislation. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as delivering necessary reforms to local government accountability.

“These reforms will help ensure local government accountability.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the councillor complaints framework but opposed extending donation bans to state elections without an evidence-based inquiry.

“The CCC made it clear that the reforms depart from the scope of the Belcarra Report recommendations.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering real-time disclosure of local government political donations so voters can make informed decisions before polling day.

“This bill delivers on the Palaszczuk government's commitment to Queenslanders to improve transparency and accountability in political donations at the local government level.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as delivering accountability and transparency for local government.

“This bill delivers important accountability measures.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported transparency and accountability measures for local government but opposed extending donation bans to state elections without including unions.

“If we are to ban developer donations, we must also ban union donations.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Strongly supported extending the developer donation ban to state level and criticised the LNP's proposed amendments to include unions as unconstitutional, citing the High Court's unanimous ruling in Unions NSW v NSW. Argued the LNP's amendment had already been rejected by the High Court.

“To vote for this bill is to restore confidence in government in Queensland. To vote against this bill is to further erode the confidence that Queenslanders have in government.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As a former councillor, raised concerns about overreach in returning unspent funds to political parties and opposed the Gerhardt provisions as potentially causing further confusion and uncertainty.

“That is why, although I support that the bill be passed, I urge the government and crossbench members to oppose the Gerhardt provisions.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as necessary local government reforms.

“These are important reforms for local government in Queensland.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported local government accountability reforms but opposed the government's approach to donation bans.

“We support good governance and accountability in local government.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Opposed the Belcarra bill as a political ploy aimed at hobbling the LNP and its supporters. Argued that no corruption was found in the Operation Belcarra inquiry and that existing mechanisms were sufficient to deal with corrupt activity without banning developer donations.

“This is purely a political ploy.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported the bill as implementing Palaszczuk planning reforms early, restoring cost protection for objectors, increasing penalties for development offences and protecting character housing.

“The Palaszczuk government's planning reforms will put Queensland on track to have the best planning and development assessment system in Australia.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Expressed concerns about the breadth of ministerial powers and the impact on smaller councils in regional areas.

“These provisions need to take into account the reality of smaller councils.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the councillor complaints reforms but opposed extending donation bans beyond the CCC's recommendations to state elections.

“The CCC did not recommend extending these provisions to state elections.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Supported the bills as continuing Labor's tradition of delivering reform for accountability. Argued there is nothing more essential or fragile than public trust in the political process and that the bills carry the signature of the party with a history of defending the public interest.

“There is no more essential or fragile component of our political process than the trust of the public in that system.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Raised serious concerns about Labor's hypocrisy on donation transparency citing undisclosed union donations to Labor-aligned candidates, concerns about interstate association loopholes and ECQ costs.

“I see this bill as a precursor for more Labor Party trickery in relation to donations to political parties, making sure those on the other side of the House stay in their union backed seats.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills, highlighting the importance of accountability for Logan City Council given recent corruption issues.

“The people of Logan deserve confidence in their local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Expressed concerns about the bills, particularly the broad ministerial powers and the impact on smaller councils.

“These are important issues for local government in regional Queensland.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill's early commencement of key planning reforms to protect character housing in inner-city suburbs, restore appeal rights, and increase penalties for development offences.

“These provisions will be hugely welcomed in my community, and I commend the bill to the House.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as delivering necessary reforms for local government.

“These reforms are about good governance in local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Stated the opposition will oppose the prohibited donation provisions at state level but support the CCC's recommendations for local government electoral reform. Criticised the vague definition of 'property developer' and the lack of evidence base for extending the ban to the state.

“The opposition will be opposing the prohibited donation provisions at a state level but supporting the CCC's recommendations for local government electoral reform.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As a former local government representative, raised concerns about the overreach regarding political party members, ECQ cost recovery, and impacts on housing affordability from additional planning red tape.

“There needs to be a clarification between members of political parties and endorsed candidates of political parties.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported the bills as delivering accountability for local government.

“These reforms will improve local government accountability.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the bills as necessary reforms to restore public confidence in local government.

“These reforms are about restoring public confidence in local government.”— 2018-05-16View Hansard

Supported real-time disclosure of donations and new thresholds, highlighting the timely nature of the debate given CCC hearings into candidate misconduct during 2016 local government elections.

“Those donors and the workers paying their dues deserve to be able to trust the parties in terms of where those donations are channelled.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported local government accountability but opposed extending donation bans to state elections without including unions.

“The opposition supports accountability but opposes the unfair treatment of donations.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported extending the property developer donation ban to the state level as an important step given the state government's role in Queensland's planning framework.

“These bills provide for good, much needed reforms in the local government space—reforms that create an accountable, responsive system, one that is fair, efficient and effective.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported the bill, particularly real-time disclosure, and called for banning donations from property developers and wider ICAC inquiry into public administration.

“I rise to also support the government's bill. I note the member for Buderim's comments and share his concerns about the state of local government here in Queensland.”— 2017-05-10View Hansard

Supported accountability for local government but opposed elements of the bills relating to donation bans.

“We support accountability but have concerns about aspects of this legislation.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level, arguing it was hastily introduced for political purposes before the 2017 state election. Cited the CCC chairman's concerns about constitutional validity and the lack of evidence for state-level corruption risks.

“I submit that there has been no threat identified at the state level that relates to property developer donations.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported the bills, particularly relevant given the corruption issues at Ipswich City Council in his area.

“These reforms are crucial for restoring confidence in local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported accountability measures for local government but opposed extending donation bans beyond the CCC's recommendations.

“The CCC did not recommend these provisions for state elections.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported councillor accountability reforms but opposed extending donation bans to state elections.

“We support accountability but oppose the extension of donation bans.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Criticised the Belcarra bill as motivated by blatant politics, arguing the government targets property developers while ignoring union influence. Supported the opposition's amendments.

“This bill is motivated by blatant politics.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Raised concerns about the impact of the legislation on smaller regional councils.

“We need to consider the impact on smaller councils.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported local government accountability but opposed aspects of the donation ban provisions.

“We support good governance in local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported councillor complaints reforms but opposed the extension of donation bans to state elections.

“We support accountability in local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level as overreach, citing the CCC's own finding that there was potentially a risk of corruption at the local level but not at the state level. Called for either removing the state-level ban or including unions in the ban.

“Let us take the politics out of it and we can all agree on the legislation before the House.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported local government reforms but opposed aspects of the donation ban provisions.

“We support good governance at all levels.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the bills as necessary reforms for local government accountability.

“These reforms deliver accountability for local government.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Supported the bills as delivering necessary accountability for local government.

“These reforms are important for local government in Queensland.”— 2018-05-17View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level, arguing the CCC never made recommendations about state elections and the government overstepped without evidence.

“Haven't we heard that before? It is highly desirable. The CCC made it clear that this government has overstepped the mark.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, stated the LNP supports the CCC's Belcarra findings for local government but opposes the Premier's extension of the developer donation ban to the state level as extraordinary overreach. Cited the CCC chairman's own advice that the ban should not be automatically translated to the state without proper investigation.

“Will the Premier accept the advice of the independent chair of the CCC, Alan MacSporran, or will the Premier ignore the CCC and ram through these laws which will fundamentally change our electoral system?”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level, arguing there was no evidence before the House to justify it. Noted the CCC chairman's own warning that the bill went beyond the scope of the Belcarra inquiry. Supported the shadow Attorney-General's amendments to include unions.

“This bill is politics, pure and simple. There is no analysis of Queensland's position at a state level as occurred in the High Court determination in relation to New South Wales.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

As Attorney-General, strongly supported extending the developer donation ban to the state level, arguing the state government has significant planning powers and the opposition's claim that there is no link between state decisions and developer donations is not credible.

“Those on the other side cannot come in here from time to time and throw around accusations about decisions of state ministers in relation to local government matters and then come in here today in this debate and say there is no correlation.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Opposed the bill's developer donation ban at the state level as politically motivated, arguing the CCC found no evidence of state-level corruption risk and that excluding unions while banning developer donations creates a double standard.

“If we are to believe that the intent of this legislation is to increase transparency, then why wouldn't unions be listed as prohibited donors, just as developers would be under this rushed and politically motivated legislation?”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Supported the bill to prohibit property developer donations at both local and state government levels and strengthen conflict of interest provisions for councillors.

“We have seen the risks associated with councillors accepting donations from property developers and then voting on development applications from the same donors.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Opposed the Belcarra bill's extension to the state level as political opportunism, arguing the government had presented no evidence to justify the state-level ban. Supported the amendments moved by the member for Toowoomba South.

“There is no other way to say this: this is simply political opportunism taken to a new level.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the Belcarra bill to the state level as government overreach to stack the deck electorally. Raised concerns about vexatious complaints and media reporting that assumes guilt before investigation is complete.

“The mob will always work you out. This government thinks they can continue to do all of these things because, having changed the electoral laws, they had electoral success.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard

Opposed the extension of the developer donation ban to the state level as purely politically motivated, arguing the government ignored the CCC's advice and that union influence on government warranted equal scrutiny.

“What the Labor Party is attempting to do is stack the deck electorally in its favour.”— 2018-05-15View Hansard