Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee
Portfolio CommitteeMembers (6)
Bills Reviewed (1)
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 8, 58th Parliament—Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20252026-01-30
Committee findings
The Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee examined the bill, receiving 68 submissions and holding public hearings and briefings in Brisbane. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The Queensland Labor Opposition filed a statement of reservation raising concerns about the weakening of conflict of interest frameworks, reduced transparency at Brisbane City Council, the return of a resign-to-run regime for councillors seeking state election, and inadequate consultation over the Christmas period.
- Stakeholders raised significant concerns about giving mayors and councillors greater involvement in appointing senior council staff, with the Local Government Association of Queensland flagging potential merit-based appointment risks
- The removal of conduct breaches from the councillor conduct framework and the lifting of the prohibition on councillors influencing decisions outside formal meetings were identified as major integrity risks by the Office of the Independent Assessor and the Local Government Managers Australia
- The majority of Queensland councils opposed the resign-to-run provision, as confirmed by a Local Government Association of Queensland special general meeting postal vote
- The Crime and Corruption Commission provided a written submission raising independent integrity concerns but did not appear at the public hearing
- Consultation occurred over the Christmas period and disaster season, with only two hours and forty minutes provided for stakeholder hearings on 318 proposed amendments
- The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
Inquiries (8)
Other Reports (11)
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 10, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 10 December 2025 and 10 February 2026
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 9, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 27 August 2025 and 9 December 2025
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 4, 58th Parliament—Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland, government response
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 7, 58th Parliament—Annual Report 2024-25
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 6, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 25 June 2025 and 26 August 2025
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 5, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 29 November 2024 and 24 June 2025
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 4, 58th Parliament—Inquiry into volunteering in Queensland
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 3, 58th Parliament—2025-26 Budget Estimates—Volume of Additional Information
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 3, 58th Parliament—2025-26 Budget Estimates
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 2, 58th Parliament—Subordinate legislation tabled between 11 September 2024 and 28 November 2024
Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee: Report No. 1, 58th Parliament—Report on subordinate legislation tabled between 20 August 2024 and 10 September 2024