Local Government Reforms
The Queensland Government is consulting with Mayors, Councillors and stakeholders on a range of Local Government reform proposals.
These include:
- Compulsory preferential voting
- Compulsory candidate training
- Proportional representation in undivided councils
- Tighter regulation of discretionary funds
- Campaign spending caps
- Clarification of Conflict of Interest and Material Personal Interest provisions.
Proposed reforms were informed by the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Operation Belcarra Report, which was released in 2017, and triggered the re-introduction of the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 1 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 to Parliament.
The Property Council has previously voiced concerns about this legislation, which unfairly singles out the property industry as a corruption risk, and prevents property developers from making donations to Local Government candidates.
The Property Council will continue to advocate on behalf of the property sector and will be actively involved in the Local Government reform proposals.
More information on the proposed reforms, including an information paper, can be found here.