The Queensland Government has announced the commencement of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the State’s councillor conduct framework.
The Inquiry, to be led by the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee, will examine the operation and effectiveness of the Office of the Independent Assessor and Councillor Conduct Tribunal and consider if any changes are necessary to the Local Government Act 2009.
The Inquiry will focus on five key areas:
- The effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of the Independent Assessor in dealing with complaints about councillor conduct;
- The effectiveness and efficiency of the Councillor Conduct Tribunal in determining complaints;
- Alternative structural models for the Office of the Independent Assessor to enhance consistency across government and provide tailored integrity support for councillors;
- Rights of review for Councillor Conduct Tribunal decisions;
- Any necessary changes to the Local Government Act 2009 or the functions of the Office of the Independent Assessor or Councillor Conduct Tribunal.
The Committee will be tasked with delivering their report to the Queensland Government by 6 November.
Queensland Minister for Local Government, Ann Leahy said the Inquiry reflected the Government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability in local government.
“We promised to review the councillor conduct framework to ensure it’s meeting the needs of the local government sector and the communities they serve,” Minister Leahy said.
“We want to ensure that the processes in place are efficient, effective, and provide the right balance between accountability and fairness.
“Councillors play a vital role in serving their communities, and it’s essential that the framework governing their conduct is fit-for-purpose. This Inquiry is an important step in strengthening public confidence in the system.”
